Religious GroupS

• Keep in mind that depending on where you go, religion may have a larger or smaller role than it does in your community.

• Stay open-minded about religious practices, even if they are different from yours.

• If you are planning to practice your religion abroad, you should research places of worship.

• If you have faith-based dietary restrictions, be sure to let Barcelona SAE ahead of time, especially if you are living with a host family.

• Use your experience abroad to learn about the world's religions and the role they play in diverse cultures.

The Catholic branch of Christianity is the most common religion in Spain, but with high levels of secularization (a movement away from religious institutions). While Catholicism is still the primary religion in Spain, most Spaniards—and especially the younger generations—choose not to follow Catholic teachings in morals, politics, or sexuality and do not attend mass. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Spanish Constitution. 

Even though only 3% of Spaniards consider religion as one of their three most important values (lower than the 5% European average), Catholicism's influence can still be seen in Spain's everyday life, with religious holidays and festivals, and of course, in their many churches and museums. Each city, town, and village in Spain has its own patron saint.

Judaism and Christianity were introduced to the Iberian Peninsula in Roman times, with the latter absorbing many elements from "pagan" practices that survived for a while even among Christianized populations. Islam was introduced to the Iberian Peninsula after the Muslim conquest in the 8th century. In the late 15th to early 16th century, Jews and Muslims were forced to choose between conversion or expulsion, in an attempt to create Catholic uniformity across the region.

In the city of Barcelona, 60% of places of worship belong to minority religions (those other than Catholicism). After Catholicism, the second religious tradition with the largest number of places of worship in Barcelona are the Protestant and Evangelical churches.

religious centers:

Barcelona Spain Church Directory

Map of 8 Historic Churches in Barcelona

Mass at Sagrada Familia 

Services in English:

• Catholic Mass in English: Parroquia de Maria Reina (in English) at Avenida d’Esplugues 103. The church is a bit far from the city center, but the following buses will take you there: 63, 75, and 114. Stop: Av d’Esplugues Abadessa Olzet.

• Protestant (Non-denominational): International Church of Barcelona in English. Comte d’Urgell 133.

• Protestant (Anglican): St. George’s Church in English. St. Horaci 38.  www.st-georges-church.com 

Map of churches by clicking here

Cultural and religious centers: 

• Jabad Barcelona - In this Jewish community center (Beit Chabad), the dissemination of Judaism is done through educational programs for both youth and adults. The Synagogue provides religious services and organizes religious and cultural events. You can contact them through their Instagram page here. 

• Bet Shalom - A progressive Jewish community in Barcelona offering a welcoming and inclusive space for Jews of various backgrounds and beliefs. They may have regular Shabbat services, educational programs, and cultural events.

• Atid (Reform Jewish): The service is held in Spanish and Hebrew but some community members speak English. Call before attending, and they will provide details on the times of services. 

• Comunidad Israelita de Barcelona - It is a focal point for Jewish religious and cultural activities, including synagogue services, cultural events, and educational programs. They may also organize holiday celebrations and social events.

• Sinagoga Mayor de Barcelona

Map of Barcelona's Synagogues clicking here

Cultural and Religious centers:

• Mezquita Tariq Bin Ziyad - The largest mosque in Barcelona, named after the great Amazigh and Muslim conqueror, Tarek Ibn Ziyad. Prayer times. Address: Carrer de Sant Rafael, 10.

• Islamic Cultural Center of Catalonia (CCIB) - A prominent Islamic institution that serves as a focal point for the Islamic community in the region and offers a range of services and facilities to meet the religious, cultural, and educational needs of the Muslim community in Catalonia. Address:  Carrer de Rafael Capdevila, 1-3.

• Central Mosque of Barcelona -  Includes a centre that serves the Muslim community, with a madrassa to study the Arabic language, the Qur’an, fiqh, and all knowledge necessary for the formation of imams and a library and support services. 

• Centre Islàmic del Carmel - A space designed for dialogue, coexistence, and respect for those who live in the neighbourhood. It offers courses on Islamic culture and the Arabic for anyone who is interested. The centre also participates in food collection campaigns and other charity events to support the local community.

Map of Islamic centers in Barcelona (clicking here)

Guide to Buddhism Centers in Barcelona (clicking here) 

Some Resources:

Sakya Tashi Ling - A well-established Tibetan Buddhist center located outside of Barcelona in Garraf that follows the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and offers teachings, meditation sessions, and cultural events.

Kadampa Meditation Center Barcelona - Part of the New Kadampa Tradition, this center offers meditation classes and courses on modern Buddhism. It's a welcoming place for individuals interested in incorporating meditation and Buddhist principles into their daily lives.