Survived Multiple Fires: Gaudí Master's Barcelona Church Hosts Candlelight Concerts

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Survived Multiple Fires: The Barcelona Church Designed by Gaudí's Master That Hosts Candlelit Concerts Every Friday in the Eixample

The Parish of San Francisco de Sales, designed by Joan Martorell i Montells — Antoni Gaudí's master — transforms its neo-Gothic nave under the glow of thousands of candles, hosting Candlelight concerts dedicated to Vivaldi and Adele.

The Parish of San Francisco de Sales, located in Barcelona's Dreta de l'Eixample district, is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church designed by architect Joan Martorell i Montells, the teacher of Antoni Gaudí. Originally built as part of the Salesas convent, it stands out for an architectural approach that combines different materials and innovative solutions, anticipating several hallmarks of Catalan Modernism.

Candlelight concerts at the Parish of San Francisco de Sales take this architecture to another dimension: thousands of candles illuminate its columns, arches and vaults during performances of classical music and tributes to pop and rock icons.

A Little History

Built for the former Salesas convent, the Parish of San Francisco de Sales was consecrated in 1885 and is considered the most important work of Joan Martorell, Gaudí's teacher. Its history has been eventful: it suffered severe damage during Barcelona's Tragic Week of 1909 and again in 1936, and decades later a fire blackened its walls and vaults. Restoration work began in 1991, bringing back the temple we see today.

Concerts at the Parish of San Francisco de Sales

Beyond its religious activities, music also finds a home at the Parish of San Francisco de Sales. The church regularly hosts Candlelight concerts — an opportunity to enjoy classical music in Barcelona in an intimate and breathtaking setting, surrounded by a sea of candles. Featuring piano or string quartet, programmes range from Vivaldi to tributes to Coldplay and Ludovico Einaudi, with tickets for the coming months already on sale. Upcoming highlights include: Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi (25 Sept, 7 PM, from €30.50), Tribute to Coldplay (25 Sept, 9 PM, from €31), Tribute to Adele (2 Oct, 7 PM, from €30.50), and Vivaldi's Four Seasons (9 Oct, 7 PM, from €30.50).

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Where Is the Parish of San Francisco de Sales and How to Get There

The Parish of San Francisco de Sales is at Passeig de Sant Joan, 90, in the Dreta de l'Eixample, between Carrer d'Aragó and Carrer de València. Getting there by public transport is easy: the nearest metro stations are Verdaguer (L4 and L5) and Tetuan (L2). Several bus lines also stop practically at the door, including 6, V19, 19, D50, H10, 33 and 34.

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Mass Times

During July and August, masses at the Parish of San Francisco de Sales are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 AM; Saturdays and eve of public holidays at 7 PM; and Sundays and public holidays at 11:30 AM.

Can You Visit the Parish of San Francisco de Sales?

Yes, you can visit outside of mass times. The church is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM; Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM; and Sundays and public holidays from 10 AM to 2 PM. The parish is wheelchair accessible.

The church sits in the heart of the Eixample, close to some of Barcelona's greatest architectural icons, including the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera-Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. It is also near the Church of the Sacred Heart, another Candlelight venue in Barcelona that — along with the Parish of San Francisco de Sales, the Sant Pau Modernist Site and the Gaudí Crypt — is illuminated by thousands of candles to host these intimate concerts.