St. Peter’s Basilica and Cathedral of Barcelona: A Tale of Two Stunning Cathedrals
Cathedrals are some of the most awe-inspiring structures in the world with towering spires, intricate designs, and long histories. Among them, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Cathedral of Barcelona in Spain are two of the most popular structures. These two massive buildings glow with rich histories, tons of people visit them each year to take a look inside. For this article I will be diving into the history, architecture, significant characteristics and share how to obtain St. Peter’s Basilica Tickets and Cathedral of Barcelona Tickets.
St. Peter’s Basilica
The Vatican City is where you can find St. Peter’s Basilica one of the biggest churches in existence today. Construction began on it back in 1506 and was not completed until over 100 years later! The architectural design for this Church is a blend between Renaissance and Baroque styles featuring a giant dome that’s one of Rome’s most notable landmarks.
One reason many Christians around the globe make a pilgrimage here is because they believe it houses St. Peters final resting place, one of Jesus Chris’ twelve apostles . Different artists have work displayed all around too like Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture, The Pietà which shows Jesus laying on his mother Mary after being brought down from the cross. Bernini also has his work showcased there with Baldacchino which is a large bronze canopy hovering overtop the main altar.
If you’re planning on visiting St.Peter’s you’ll need to get your hands on some tickets before hand so you’re sure to be able to enter without any issues. You can obtain these tickets online by reserving them ahead of time or sometimes they offer free tickets at random times during the day as well.. Regardless though I would recommend booking your tickets early especially if its peak tourist season because things tend to get a little crowded.
Cathedral of Barcelona
Also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, the Cathedral of Barcelona is another Gothic-style cathedral that’s been around since the 13th century. You can find it right in the middle of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and its one of their most popular landmarks.
Dedicated to Saint Eulalia who is apparently also Barcelona’s patron saint, I shouldn’t be surprised when this place gets packed with people. The interior design for the Cathedral is incredible as well. It has these huge vaulted ceilings that tower over you while you’re walking around inside. It also has intricate stained glass windows that have stood in the building for hundreds of years. And lastly there’s a beautiful choir stall from the 14th century that adds so much character to this amazing piece of architecture.
One thing I thought was really cool about this place too was at its rooftop, where visitors are able to look out and see an amazing panoramic view of the whole city! They also house thirteen white geese up there which represent Saint Eulalia’s age when she was martyred.
To visit The Cathedral of Barcelona you’ll need to purchase Cathedral of Barcelona Tickets which can be done online or purchased at their ticket office located at the front entrance.. Again though I would recommend getting them ahead if possible just so you know you have a spot when it comes time for your trip especially during peak tourist season.
Final Thoughts
St. Peter’s Basilica and The Cathedral of Barcelona are two massive structures with rich histories, tons of art and plenty more features they both share.Thousands upon thousands if not millions come visit both each year because they are such significant pilgrimage sites for Christians worldwide.
If you plan on visiting Rome or Barcelona anytime soon make sure these two spots are high up on your list because they will definitely blow your mind! Just remember to do yourself a favor and book your St. Peter’s Basilica Tickets and Cathedral of Barcelona Tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait around in any lines and you can just enjoy everything the structure has to offer.