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Barcelona’s magnificent Gothic cathedral boasts an eye-catching façade and a peaceful cloister. (Barcelona Cathedral).

The elegant church of Santa Maria del Mar (1329–83) is one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic, a style characterized by measured simplicity. A spectacular stained-glass rose window illuminates the lofty interior. See Església de Santa Maria del Mar.

Inside the tranquil Monestir de Pedralbes (Capella de Sant Miquel & Església al Monestir de Pedralbes) is a splendid Gothic cloister and the Capella de Sant Miquel, decorated with impressive murals by Catalan artist Ferrer Bassa in 1346. The adjoining graceful Gothic church contains the alabaster tomb of Queen Elisenda, the monastery’s founder.

Founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 9th century by Guifre II, a count of Barcelona, this church was rebuilt the following century. Its sculpted façade and intimate cloister with rounded arches bear all the trademarks of the Romanesque style. (Charming Churches & Chapels).

Originally built in 801 as a chapel for troops stationed in Barcelona, this església later became a spiritual retreat for young daughters of nobility. The church was rebuilt in the 12th century and is notable today for its Romanesque central cupola and a series of Romanesque capitals topped with carved leaves. Look out for two stone tablets depicting a Greek cross, which are from the original chapel.

This lovely Gothic church with its ornate stained-glass windows graces Plaça del Pi (Charming Churches & Chapels) with its elegant presence.

Within the grand walls of the Palau Reial (Charming Churches & Chapels) is the lovely medieval Capella de Santa Àgata, with its striking stained-glass windows and a superb 15th-century altarpiece.

Mount Tibidabo is an appropiate perch for this huge, over-the-top Neo-Gothic church, topped with a gold Christ with outstretched arms. The name Tibidabo takes its meaning from the words, “I shall give you” (tibi dabo ), uttered by the Devil in his temptation of Christ. Zealously serving the devoted, the priest here performs the Eucharist throughout the day.

Inside the Palau de la Generalitat (Capella de Sant Jordi) is this fine 15th-century chapel, dedicated to Catalonia’s patron saint.

La Rambla was once dotted with religious buildings, most built in the 17th and 18th centuries when the Catholic Church was flush with money. This església remains one of the most important functioning churches from this period.