★★★★★ 5.0
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Santa Anna Church
The year is 1177, and Jerusalem's most sacred knights are founding their first Barcelona outpost right here in what would become Placeta de Ramon Amadeu. This isn't just any medieval church – it's Santa Anna, where pilgrims once received the exact same spiritual forgiveness as making the dangerous journey to the Holy Sepulchre itself, a papal privilege that made this tiny square one of Europe's most powerful religious destinations. As you approach the Gothic entrance built in 1300, you're looking at three centuries of construction work that created something unique – a Romanesque core wrapped in Gothic elegance. The architect Ramon Amadeu gave his name to this hidden square, and once inside, you'll discover why this place captivated medieval Barcelona. The stunning cloister features exactly 10 archways on each side, creating perfect geometric harmony, while the church's Greek cross design mirrors Jerusalem's most sacred space. What makes this spot truly extraordinary is how it's tucked away just meters from the chaos of Plaça Catalunya, yet remains Barcelona's most central oasis. Step into that cloister, and you'll understand why this 850-year-old sanctuary still hosts Spanish guitar concerts – the acoustics are absolutely magical.
Did You Know?
- Founded in 1141, Santa Anna Church is one of Barcelona’s oldest religious buildings and was originally built as a monastery for the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, a medieval knightly order sent from Rome to establish a presence in Catalonia—making it a rare example of their architectural legacy in Spain.
- The church is a fascinating architectural hybrid: its structure is Romanesque (dating from the 12th century), but it features a striking Gothic entrance arch from 1300 and a beautiful 15th-century cloister blending Gothic and early Renaissance styles—children can play ‘spot the difference’ between these two medieval styles during a visit.
- Santa Anna Church was so important to medieval pilgrims that visiting it granted the same spiritual benefits as a pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a unique privilege that drew travelers from across Europe seeking forgiveness—today, a modern sculpture of ‘Jesus Homeless’ by Timothy Schmalz outside the church continues its legacy of welcoming the marginalized.