Our Lady of Angeles

Leaving the Disney Concert Hall, we headed north to Temple Street to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angles. It is an austere and contemporary cathedral designed by Spanish architect  Jose Rafael Moneo. The cathedral is the antithesis of the Gothic churches I have visited in Europe. The exterior of the cathedral does not have gargoyles looking down upon worshipers or dark grey aged stone that lends the customary bleak look to these buildings, but instead sharp geometrical lines and ocher colored concrete. Our Lady of the Angles abounds with natural light pouring through alabaster windows. There is a sense of peace and lightness when you walk through the cathedral. The absence of somber gloominess is a relief from the typical cathedrals in Europe where a constant sensation of solemness accompanies the visitor.

I enjoy visiting this cathedral for its warmth and simplicity felt throughout, including the chapels. When I return to Barcelona I will contrast these pictures with the Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eualia in Barcelona for a visual comparison to better understand the sensations felt.

Adeu!

The large organ on the right comes from Iowa.

One of twelve candle holder angels representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. 

25 tapestries depicting 135 saints and blesseds from around the world. 

The Campanile