Capella Reial de Santa Agata (Royal Chapel of St. Agatha), Barcelona

Another beautiful Catalan monument in the Gothic Quarter not to be missed, when visiting the Barcelona History Museum, is the Chapel of Saint Agatha. A remarkable example of Catalan Gothic architecture, it was constructed in 1302 under King James II of Aragon and his wife Queen Blanca of Naples as an extension to the Royal Palace, replacing its older oratory. Today, the chapel forms part of the History Museum along with the Tinell Hall.

Significant contributions to the building, such as the addition of the chapel of the Queens and a baptistery, were made in the 14th century during the reigns of King Peter IV of Aragon, popularly known as Peter the Ceremonious, and King Martín I the Humane. Originally dedicated to Santa Maria, its dedication was changed to Santa Àgata in 1601 after the papacy authorized the custody of the saint's relics.

The chapel underwent various uses following the confiscation of ecclesiastical properties in Spain in 1835. Architecturally, it features a single nave with a polygonal apse and a small cross structure, embellished with the coats of arms of Maria of Navarre and Eleonora of Sicily. The nave boasts polychrome wooden roofs with diaphragm arches, while the apse is topped with cross vaults. Stained glass windows with Gothic traceries brighten the interior, and the sacristy is uniquely integrated into the Roman wall.

Adjacent to the sacristy is a 14th-century octagonal bell tower adorned with eight triangular pediments resembling a royal crown. Prominent historical artworks within the chapel include sixty terracotta tiles decorated with images of angels and the coats of arms of Aragon and Sicily.

In 1990, extensive archaeological excavations were conducted in a temple prior to its restoration, uncovering significant historical layers. The work was divided into five areas, revealing structures from the High Imperial period (between 27 BC and 284 AD) through to the 19th century. Key findings included Roman walls, Gothic vaults, and medieval chapels.

Tip:
Admission to the Chapel is included in the Barcelona History Museum entrance fee.
Visitors are permitted to take non-commercial photos inside the chapel, as long as flash photography is avoided. Don't miss the intricately decorated ceiling timbers, the stunning Epiphany altarpiece from 1465, and the Table of Saint Agatha in the Queen's Chapel, dating back to around 1500. Also, keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions in both the chapel and the Tinell Hall, as they offer access to these remarkable buildings without requiring a full museum tour.