This church was built between 1329 and 1383, and it is an outstanding example of pure Catalan Gothic. I bought the full entrance, that gives access to the church, the crypt, the balconies and the roof, and the upper gallery. All parts were very beautiful, except the crypt, which is totally naked. From the balconies and roof there is a spectacular view over Barcelona (158 steps, no lift).

There were two admission options to see the church. The basic entry ticket was just to see the inside of the church and the crypt while the other option allowed a visitor to climb up to the rooftop. The inside of the church was a bit on the dark side even with the beautiful stained glass windows up high. It was quite impressive with the towering ceiling above. I liked the fact that most of the small side altars could be seen up close without any gates blocking access like at the Barcelona Cathedral. I recommend skipping the crypt since it was empty save for some tables and chairs. A couple of doors led to other parts of the church that seemed to be storage or an office. A small gift shop was near the admission entrance but not manned. There was minimal signage inside except for one area where a comprehensive description of the church construction was posted. We could understand many of the key descriptions without needing a translator app. We spent around 20 minutes inside for our 5 Euro admission. If you skip going inside then the outside of the church would still be good to walk around. The setting sun seemed to turn the upper portions a golden color. We also saw the Fossar de Les Moreres where the eternal flame constantly burned in memory of those Catalans who fought and died in the Spanish War of 1714.

This cathedral is slightly out of the way compared to the other major tourist sites, but it's so so so so worth it. Hands down, this was actually my favorite one in the city (caveat that this is if you're a fan of gothic architecture). There is a grandeur and a peacefulness that comes through with this cathedral that's incomparable to all the other ones I visited in Barcelona. Also, I loved that there is more freedom with climbing up to the terraces than I've experienced at other cathedrals - you're given instructions on where the stairs are located, but you can go at your own time and your own pace. And in my case, I actually went up more than once, the experience and view from the top was so memorable. There's a wonderful viewing platform that's been set up at the top, with views of the sea.

Nice church. Paid €10 each for entrance and to go to the roof, though no-one checked our ticket to go up. Separate stairs for way up and down, does require some fitness, there is a stopping point about 3/4 quarters of the way up. Stunning views of Barcelona.

I booked the tour through GetYourGuide for 10 euros. The young guide was very knowledgeable. Would not recommend for people with limited mobility - there are lots of stairs. The cathedral is beautiful and well worth a visit. Also, read Ildefonso Falcones' book "La Cathedral del Mar" for some background info.

After Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia and the city’s towering Gothic Cathedral, this is probably Barcelona’s third most iconic church. It is tucked away in the historic district of El Born, just a few steps from Via Leietana, which separates the Gothic Quarter from El Born. Allegedly it is the only pure example remaining of the Catalan Gothic style but I will have to take the guide books word for that. What I can say is that Santa Maria del Mar (St. Mary’s of the Sea) is an imposingly place of worship. Internally there is a very impressive rose window framed by twin octagonal towers and be sure to look out for the FC Barçalona coat of arms secreted amongst the stain glass decorations. There is a fee to get inside and it is 5 Euros for the basic entry ticket to see the inside of the church and the crypt and the other includes the climb up to the rooftop. We paid for the basic and it was just about worth it.

The first day we went to this church it was closed. Since it was close to our hotel we went the next day. I am so glad we got to see the interior. While the exterior is somewhat plain, to my eye, the interior is exquisite with many works of art, stained glass windows and statues. We did not do a rooftop or crypt visit. There are many chapels along the sides with some signage. Take time to explore and learn about the history of this space and really its history in the city. The Basilica web page gives some details you will want to see during your visit. The two most fascinating features for me were the statue and chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola who actually worshiped at this very church and sat in the area where the statue is now. Secondly, the Olympic stained-glass window. It is beautiful. On the outside of the church is also a monument to Barcelona citizens who died in the siege in the 1700's; Fossar de les Moreres, Barcelona. I suggest you take time to appreciate this monument to Barcelona's history.

Magnificent church, built in the 14th century. It is relatively plain on the outside and without a great deal of art on the inside, but the incredibly high vaulted ceiling and soaring columns let great deal of light in and imbue a heavenly feeling. While there is apparently a charge to enter in the daytime, we were able to enter in the early evening without payment.