Why does a cathedral in Barcelona keep thirteen white geese in its cloister?

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture, but its most curious feature lies in the cloister. Thirteen white geese roam the grounds, a living tribute to the city's co-patron saint, who was reportedly martyred at the age of thirteen.

The cathedral, known as Barcelona Cathedral, serves as the seat of the archbishop of Barcelona. Its construction spans centuries, beginning on May 1, 1298, under the reign of James II the Just. While the main structure was built over 150 years, the neo-Gothic façade seen today was a late nineteenth-century addition, completed in 1913 by the children of Miguel Girona i Agrafel. The building follows the regional Catalan Gothic style, prioritizing balanced dimensions over extreme height, featuring a pseudo-basilica form with five aisles and a truncated transept.

The site holds deep historical layers. Archaeological excavations have revealed remnants of an early Christian and Visigothic complex, including a fourth-century baptistery and a fifth-century basilical hall. A Romanesque cathedral was previously consecrated here in 1058, built by Count Ramon Berenguer I and Bishop Guislabert. Today, the cathedral houses the relics of Saint Eulalia in its crypt. Tradition holds that Eulalia was a young martyr who suffered under Roman rule; legends describe her miraculous protection by snowfall and her eventual execution in a barrel filled with knives.

Beyond its religious significance, the cathedral became a stage for European power. In 1519, Charles V hosted a chapter of the Order of the Golden Fleece within its walls, utilizing the cathedral's grand proportions for his investiture as Count of Barcelona. The interior also contains the 'Holy Christ of Lepanto' crucifix, which legend claims miraculously leaned to avoid a cannonball during the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. Today, the cathedral balances its ancient heritage with modern demands, managing tourism through measures like electronic candles and restricted access to historic chapels.

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