2-370-053 - Samuel Magal/Sites & Photos/Heritage Images

The high altar (1337) and crucifix in the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, Barcelona, Spain. The construction of the present Catalan Gothic building began in 1289 by the command of King James (Jaume) II, and was completed only in 1448. The Romanesque predecessor of the 11th century was demolished except for the Santa Llucia Chapel. The façade and central spire were completed much later (1889 and 1913, respectively), based on the original design from 1408 by the French architect Charles Galters. The Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, patron saint of the city, who was martyred in the 4th century for her religion by the Romans. Design: Charles Galters (1408); Josep Oriol Mestres and August Font i Carreras (façade, 1889)