Catedral de Santa Eulalia de Barcelona

One of Europe’s most magnificent Gothic cathedrals
Noteworthy for: The patron saint after which the cathedral was named was said to have been rolled down a Barcelona street in a barrel stuck with knives by angry Romans. The 13 white geese kept in the cathedral's cloister symbolise her age when she was martyred.

Word to the wise: The cathedral is also known as La Seu.
La Sagrada Familia may be Barcelona's best known place of worship but Santa Eulalia is the city's official cathedral - and, although it can't hope to compete with Gaudí on the innovation front, it's a magnificent building in its own right.

The vast, 13th century Gothic edifice does have one thing in common with Gaudí's masterpiece: a lengthy construction period. Although the first stone was laid in the 13th century, building progressed slowly because of the plague that swept through Europe in the middle ages; the first stone was laid in the 13th century but the church wasn't fully completed until the early 20th century.

Check out the side chapel with its 16th century cross, venture outside to see the monastery and the archbishop’s living quarters nearby and be sure to take the elevator to the roof for incredible views.