The archaeological remains of the Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor Basilica are now on display
The remains, which date from the 6th century and consist of parts of the chancel, the tomb of a notable figure and a baptismal pool, are now open to visitors
Cultural duality has existed in Barcelona since the settlement of the Visigoths in what was formerly the town of Barcino. This duality consisted of, on the one hand, the Aryan religion of the Visigoths themselves and, on the other, Catholicism, which had already been established in the city. When the Visigoths settled in the city, it is more than likely that they occupied the existing episcopal nucleus beneath the cathedral and in the Plaça del Rei, while the Catholics were moved to Sant Just i Pastor. The peaceful coexistence of the two religions allowed for two episcopal centres and two bishops, the Catholic centre, the less important of the two at the time, occupying Sant Just i Pastor, where the 1st Council of Barcelona was held in the year 540 A.D.
The archaeological remains of this recently discovered, 6th-century episcopal complex can now be visited by the general public through the interior of the Sant Màrtirs Just i Pastor basilica and consist of fragments of the east end of the basilica with three apses containing the crypt of a venerated character, or a confessional, the tomb of some important figure from the Christian community, probably a bishop, and a baptismal pool in the shape of a cross.
Part of the Pla Bàrcino, the remains of the archaeological complex can now be visited in conjunction with a series of restored parts, spaces and elements of the basilica such as:
The chapel: opened in 1705, it has been reformed on several occasions and is accessed through an iron grille from the same period which frames a glass motif decorated by Perico Pastor.
The chapel dome: paintings representing four moments from the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ have recently been discovered. The dome also contains paintings by Perico Pastor.
Renaissance bell tower and Gothic-style balconies: The bell tower is 35 metres high and one of the best views of Ciutat Vella and all of Barcelona is available from the upper balcony.
The Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor Basilica opens daily from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Visit to the Sant Màrtirs Just i Pastor basilica
When: every day, from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to 8 pm
Price: Free entrance
Where: Sant Màrtirs Just i Pastor basilica
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