As we crossed the square the items that were being sold by vendors suddenly changed from trinkets to religious heirlooms from some forgotten family. They ranged from a rusty crucifix to old medals and other religious collectibles. Almost as suddenly as the vendor change was the appearance of the massive Barcelona Cathedral. Amongst the tourists was a small frail woman with a cane, dressed in black, heavily lined and carrying a cup that she shook with the rattle of a few small coins.
The Cathedral of Barcelona is a 16th century building. As with most tourist sites, the upkeep requires that visitors must pay to enter. Seven euros was a small price to pay to view the magnificent architecture within. The Stations of the Cross were beautiful ornate altars lining both sides of the interior walls.
Near the altars at the front, we found a line of people. Naturally curious, we joined. It had to be something worth seeing. It was. While chatting with a family from the UK, we discovered that we were getting into a very tiny elevator to the roof. Once there, we walked across the top on a catwalk just wide enough for two to pass. The view of Barcelona in all directions was magnificent. Was seven euro’s too much for this view? Absolutely not!
Whether you are a religious person or not, this historic institution is impressive. All visitors, whether Muslim, Sikh or Catholic were impressed with this architectural wonder.