Places of worship
Basílica dels Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor
Plaça de Sant Just i Pastor 1, 08002 
933 017 433
Free (Fee for access to the Bell Tower) www.basilicasantjust.cat
Open Monday–Saturday 11am–2pm and and 5pm–8pm, Sunday 10am–1pm
Metro Jaume I Bus 45, 120. V15, V17
The church is wheelchair accessible
Largely built in the 14th century, this ancient church is one of the oldest in the city. Take some time to fully appreciate the intricate stonemasonry, as well as the altarpiece of the Holy Cross painted by Pere Nunyes in the Chapel of Sant Feliu. It’s also thrilling to look up at the magnificent gothic ceiling from the centre of the nave. Next, climb up to the top of the 15th-century campanile (octagonal belltower) for a bird’s-eye view of the buildings below. Situated in the Gothic Quarter, the Basilica dels Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor is quieter than other churches in the city. It also has the added attraction of the carved stone Fivaller fountain in the square outside.
Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi
Plaça del Pi 7, 08002 933 184 743
Free (Fee for access to the treasury and exhibitions in the crypt) www.basilicadelpi.com
Open Daily 9.30am–8.30pm
Metro Liceu Bus 59, 91, V13
Wheelchair users should call in advance to request a ramp to access the church
Its huge rose window, elaborate gothic entrance and extraordinary carved stonework make this church one of the architectural highlights of the city; the tall columns that form the apse are a wonder to behold. It was built between 1319 and 1391 (although the huge tower was completed a few decades later) and is a stunning example of the prevailing Catalan gothic style of the time. In winter, the candlelit interior is enchanting and the exterior just as striking when lit up at dusk. The English translation of the basílica’s name is ‘Mary of the Pine’, one of the many names given to the Virgin, and a pine tree still grows in the square outside today.
Sant Pau del Camp
Carrer de Sant Pau 101, 08001 934 410 001
€ (Free for service attendees) www.barcelonaturisme.com
Open Monday–Friday 9.30am–12.30pm and 3.30pm–6.30pm, Saturday 9.30am–12.30pm
Metro Paral-lel Bus 20, 21, 24, 64, H14
The church is wheelchair accessible
Sant Pau del Camp is an extraordinarily beautiful Romanesque church situated not far from La Rambla El Raval. Built in the 10th century by Benedectine monks, the church is the oldest in Barcelona. What makes this building particularly special are the small 13th-century cloisters; popular biblical and secular scenes have been carved into the stone columns, where you’ll find etchings of lions, horses and snakes, as well as a few imaginary monsters. Del camp means ‘of the fields’, and the church used to be surrounded by orchards and meadows. Today it is surrounded by built-up streets, but it still offers some quiet respite from the hustle and bustle nearby.
Temple del Sagrat Cor de Jesús
Cimera del Tibidavo, 08035 934 175 686
Open Church November–February daily 11am–6pm, March–May daily 11am–7pm, June–September daily 11 am–8 pm, October daily 11am–7pm; crypt daily 9am–8.15pm
Bus 111
The church, but not the roof, is wheelchair accessible
After a bracing walk up the mountain, this chapel is a wonderful place to rest your weary legs. Designed by Catalan architect Enric Sagnier, The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built in the early 20th century. Although the ornate Catholic ornamentation might not be to everyone’s taste, it is undeniably impressive; the chapel is famous for its huge bronze statue of Christ, which can be seen for kilometres around. The panoramic views from the roof of the chapel are also incredible, so it’s well worth climbing the steep ladder to get there. However all of these attractions mean the chapel can get quite crowded, so be sure to visit just as the doors open for a more peaceful experience.
Quakers in Barcelona
Various locations 634 437 919
Free www.fwccemes.org
Open Meetings are held on the first and third Sunday of the month at 11.30am, contact Nigel Harris on the number above for more details
The Quakers in Barcelona are a very small group and they don’t have a permanent meeting house for their fortnightly gatherings. However, it is not so much a fixed meeting place that concerns Quakers, rather the peaceful appreciation of silence in the company of like-minded individuals. Attendees include a mixture of Catalan locals and international visitors.
Església de Sant Felip Neri
Plaça de Sant Felip Neri 5, 08002 933 173 116
Open Monday–Friday 8am–9am, Saturday 10am–2pm
Metro Jaume I, Liceu Bus 14, 45, 59, 91, 120, V15, V17
The church is not wheelchair accessible
This Catholic church is typical of 16th-century ecclesiastical architecture: a mixture of unadorned, green-plastered walls and elaborate gold ornamentation. The exterior walls are heavily pockmarked by an explosion that killed 42 people – mainly infants – during the Spanish Civil War, but today the courtyard is filled with the cheerful sound of children’s voices from the nearby school.
Shlomo Ben Adret Synagogue
Association of the medieval Jewish Quarter of Barcelona, Carrer de Marlet 5, 08006
933 170 790
Open Summer Monday–Friday 10.30am–6.30pm, Saturday, Sunday 10.30–2.30 pm; winter Monday–Friday 11am–5.30pm, Saturday, Sunday 11am-3pm
Metro Jaume I, Liceu Bus 45, 59, 120 V15 V17
There is no wheelchair access to the synagogue
Occupying a 3rd-century Roman building and turned into a space for Jewish worship – probably in the 1st century ad – this is the oldest synagogue in Europe. Now Barcelona’s Historical Synagogue Museum, it is sometimes used for intimate weddings and a few other Jewish ceremonies such as Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. A tiny space, it is nonetheless full of atmosphere; Jewish people sought sanctuary here to avoid persecution during the Middle Ages. Its main purpose is the display of rare Jewish artefacts such as ornate silver dishes, a mezuzot (a parchment containing Hebrew phrases) and a precious kosher Torah from the 16th century; a guided tour around the exhibits is highly recommended.
Parròquia de Santa Anna
Carrer Santa Anna 29, 08002
933 013 576
Free (Donations welcome) www.parroquiasantaanna.org
Open Monday–Friday 11am–2pm and 4pm–7pm, Saturday, Sunday 11am–2pm
Metro Passeig de Gràcia, Universitat, Urquinaona Bus 41, 42, 55, 67, 68 H15, V16
Train Catalunya
The church is wheelchair accessible
Like a number of revered churches in the Barri Gótic, Parròquia de Santa Anna is a pleasant surprise hidden down a back street. Here you can learn all about the history of the religious order which established the church 800 years ago. With its ancient cloisters, pretty garden and medieval chapterhouse, it is one of the jewels of the city. It is also the venue for occasional guitar concerts, providing the opportunity to hear local musicians play traditional Spanish music in an unusual setting.
