6 Barcelona Churches Beyond the Sagrada Família

If you come to Barcelona for its churches, you’re in for a treat! Most travelers have the Sagrada Familia at the top of their list (and for good reason — it’s breathtaking), but the city is filled with so many more sanctuaries for you to visit. 

From Gothic masterpieces in hidden plazas to hilltop basilicas with unbeatable views, every Barcelona church is a rewarding mix of history, architecture, and spirituality. And the best part? Many of them are easy to visit in between exploring other landmarks. 

Whether you’ve already got places to visit in mind or just want to wander the Gothic Quarter with your camera ready, these underrated churches will make your trip feel even richer.

Officially the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, the Cathedral of Barcelona is often overshadowed by Gaudí’s masterpiece, but it’s a landmark in its own right. Construction started in the 13th century and took over 150 years to complete. Its soaring spires, gargoyles, and neo-Gothic façade anchor the Gothic Quarter, where every narrow street seems to lead back to its square. To maximize your day, consider Barcelona Cathedral ticket in advance and explore at your own pace. 

Inside, you’ll find a beautiful cloister filled with palm trees and geese (13 of them, representing Saint Eulalia’s age when she was martyred). Side chapels are dedicated to guilds and noble families, reflecting the city’s medieval side. Don’t miss out on the rooftop, either, since it gives you gorgeous views of the whole area. If you’re curious about cathedrals in Barcelona, this one is a must! 

Now, if you’d love an in-depth look at the cathedral’s surrounding area (Barcelona’s historical city center), you can do a Gothic Quarter Walking Tour alongside your visit. You’ll hit iconic landmarks like Plaça del Rei, Sant Felip Neri Square, La Rambla — all with a friendly local guide at your side. 

Santa Maria del Mar, built between 1329 and 1383, is a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture. Unlike the cathedral, which took centuries and countless patrons, this one was built by and for the city’s merchants and shipbuilders. It’s sometimes called the “Cathedral of the Sea” thanks to its connection with Barcelona’s maritime past.

Step inside and you’ll notice how light and balanced it feels: Three aisles of equal height supported by slender octagonal columns. The stained-glass windows pour color into the interior, creating an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. This is the kind of Barcelona church that shows the city’s deep ties to its community.

If you’re an art lover, you can check out the Picasso Museum in Barcelona after Santa Maria del Mar since it’s just a 3-minute walk away! This museum houses some of Picasso’s earliest works, as the painter spent his years as an apprentice in the Gothic Quarter

A short walk from the famous La Rambla street, Santa Maria del Pi stands out for its sturdy Gothic design and massive rose window as it’s one of the largest in Europe. Built in the 14th century, it’s a reminder of how churches weren’t just religious spaces, but also community anchors in medieval Barcelona. 

Climbing the bell tower gives you a great vantage point over the Gothic Quarter rooftops and even out toward the sea. For travelers searching for a church in Barcelona, Spain that combines history with great city views, this one is an excellent choice.

Don’t forget to have Google Maps handy so that you can visit La Rambla after Santa Maria del Pi! Free public WiFi isn’t always available (or reliable) in this area, so a Europe eSIM might be worth considering for your trip. It can be installed just with a QR code, and it’ll still be helpful outside of Spain since it works across the entire EU. 

If you want to see where it all began, Sant Pau del Camp is your stop! Dating back to at least the 10th century, this Romanesque church in El Raval is one of the oldest surviving religious sites in the city. Its name means “Saint Paul of the Countryside,” as it originally stood outside the city walls.

The cloister’s carved capitals feature biblical scenes and everyday motifs, giving you a window into medieval life. Its rounded arches and thick walls are in sharp contrast to the soaring Gothic churches elsewhere in the city. It’s a Barcelona church that feels very different from the more familiar Gothic style.

Plus, just an 8-minute stroll away from Sant Pau del Camp is the world-famous Park Guell, which features the mosaic artwork and architecture of Antoni Gaudí (who also designed the Sagrada Familia). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most popular places to visit in Barcelona, so it’s a great place to spend the rest of your afternoon. 

Founded in 1326 by Queen Elisenda, the Monastery of Pedralbes is a serene spot in the Sarrià neighborhood. Its three-level cloister is one of the largest in Europe, and its peaceful gardens make it a great escape from the busy center.

The monastery also houses religious art, including frescoes by Ferrer Bassa, and Queen Elisenda’s tomb is a highlight—carved with her likeness as both a queen and a nun, symbolizing her dual life. If you’re looking for a quieter Barcelona church away from the main tourist spots, Pedralbes is ideal.

Since the monastery is further out from the city center, the Hola Barcelona Public Transport Travel Card will come in useful here. This card grants you unlimited access to all public transport in Barcelona for up to 120 hours — and yes, that includes metro, buses, trams, FGC city trains, and RENFE suburban trains (Zone 1). If you’re planning to take the train from the Barcelona Airport to the city center, this pass also covers it!

High above the city on Tibidabo Hill stands the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, completed in 1961. Its twin levels—a crypt below and a neo-Gothic basilica above—culminate in a statue of Christ that overlooks the whole city. 

The setting is just as spectacular as the architecture. From the steps, you get sweeping views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean, and the nearby Tibidabo Amusement Park adds a whimsical touch to the outing. This Barcelona church gives you both stunning architecture and one of the best panoramas in the city.

Barcelona is a dream for church lovers with how many sites you can visit, and how easily accessible they are. Of course, Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia is the star attraction, but these other sanctuaries — from the hidden Romanesque stones of Sant Pau del Camp to the peaceful cloisters of Pedralbes — all hold pieces of Spanish culture and history. 

Whether you’re chasing history, art, or just quiet places to reflect, each Barcelona church brings something different to the table!

The most famous church in Barcelona is the Sagrada Família, designed by Antoni Gaudí. It’s one of the most visited monuments in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1882 and continues today, making it the world’s longest-running building project of its kind.

A cathedral is the principal church of a diocese and the official seat of the bishop—like the Barcelona Cathedral, which serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. A basilica, on the other hand, is a title granted by the Pope to churches with special historical, architectural, or spiritual importance. For example, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and the Basílica de la Sagrada Família both hold this title.

Yes, most churches in Barcelona (and throughout Spain) expect visitors to dress modestly. Generally, you should cover your shoulders and knees. While enforcement is less strict than at sites like the Vatican, it’s respectful to follow the guidelines—especially if you plan to enter during services. Carrying a light scarf or shawl is a handy tip if you’re visiting in summer.