Description of the attraction
The Cathedral is the center of the medieval city, its life and development. In 985, the Moors destroyed the temple originally located here, built in the 4th century and of great importance, since it was here that the meeting of the Church Council was held in 559. In the period 1046-1058, a Romanesque Cathedral was built on the site of this temple. In 1289, by order of King Jaime II of Aragonese, the construction of a real Gothic cathedral began, which was completed in 1448, but its facade and magnificent spire were created in the neo-Gothic style at the end of the 19th century thanks to the generosity of the banker, mayor of the city, Manuel Girona.
The interior of the cathedral impresses with its magnificent severity, elongated and harmonious columns, elegant vaults with cruciform decorations, and a multicolored range. The three-aisled cathedral has 26 side chapels, which are an artistic treasury that preserves the historical and social memory of the city. The main altar was consecrated in 1337; the magnificent choirs of the central nave were created in 1390, and in the 16th century a beautiful marble chapel was completed behind the choirs, completing today the perspective view of the central nave.
Below, under the main altar, is the most beautiful crypt of Saint Eulalia, patroness of the city, great martyr of the 4th century. Behind the altar, on four columns, rests her alabaster sarcophagus (1327).
The wonderful chapel del Santo Cristo de Lepanto (which was for some time the home of the canon) was built in 1405-1454 and is considered one of the best examples of Gothic art. The sculpture of the Crucified Christ is a woodcarving, work of the 16th century. Don Juan of Austria took this Crucifixion to the Battle of Lepanto. The priest Olegario is buried at the foot of the majestic crucifix.
Through the south gate of the temple you can go to the courtyard of the cathedral and see the covered gallery, a garden with magnolias, medlar and palm trees, a small fountain, as well as the cathedral museum, where the font of the 11th century, tapestries and church utensils are kept. Since time immemorial, white geese have lived in the courtyard - it is believed that they guard the peace of the townspeople buried next to the cathedral.
