I have just finished reading "Cathedral of the Sea". Is this the main cathedral of Barcelona which is referred to as the Cathedral?

No, the cathedral in the book is actually not a cathedral. It is Santa Maria del Mar. I absolutely love this church and highly recommend you add it to your itinerary. Particularly since you read the book (historical inaccuracies and all... )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_M...Mar,_Barcelona

we will definitely visit it. I am confused. When there is a reference to "the cathedral" (as in dancing on Sunday) which one is it?

The cathedral is the Cathedral of St. Eulalia, or Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia. That's where the sardana is danced at noon on Sundays. It is about a 5 minute walk from Santa Maria del Mar. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Santa_Eulalia

Many people mistakingly refer to Sagrada Familia as a cathedral. Neither it nor Santa Maria del Mar is an official cathedral.

The Cathedral is also popularly called La Seu.

I did not read the book but they also dance on some Saturday nights. They Catalans are very gracious and welcome all to dance. Put your bag in the middle with the others and join hands.

"put your bag in the middle"-from all I read about Barcelona I have to glue my bag to my body!!!

He-he, no thieves will ever brake through these rings...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slnGYnt4sXY

put your bag in the middle"-from all I read about Barcelona I have to glue my bag to my body!!!

The old ladies would kill them.

I watched the video. "old" is a relative term.

ita, I had not heard of this book so thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Last year when we were in Barcelona I was surprised by how long we spent watching the dancing of the Sardana. The musicians were very good too. We're going back in November and will probably try to experience this again.

Have a terrific trip!

Santa Maria del Mar is a church and Gaudi's Sagrada Familia recently was consecrated a basilica.

Santa Maria del Mar is considered the finest example of Catalan Gothic architecture, partly because it was built in a relatively short time, so it is consistent.

It is open most of the time and into the evening. No flash photos allowed.

If you are seeking cultural experiences, you might look into a performance at the magnificent Palau de la Musica, www.palaumusica.org.

Don't let the scare stories about street crime deter you. Just take normal big-city precautions, especially on the Metro. And as in any city, avoid certain areas at night, such as Las Ramblas and small alleys.

When I wanted to see Santa Maria del Mar it was closed. This was in the middle of the day, so I would check the hours.

I read that there are free concerts at the church, but I can't find a website that tells what is on. Does anyone know of one?

I would not consider visiting Barcelona without visiting this marvelous church, a wonderful Architectural achievement. Built by the people, all the guilts of La Ribera participated in its construction. Nothing more touching that the guilt of porters who collaborated in the construction by transporting the stones. The King has donated the stones but they had to transported from the royal quarries .
The doors at the main entrance are decorated with small sculptures of members of this guilt
honoring their enormous effort.
The church is closed for a few hours after lunch.

I would love to see this book made into a movie..............

I think it would probably be a better movie than a book.

Did you not like the book ita? I couldn't put it down. That said, I'd love to see it as a movie, too. It'd be quite an undertaking.

The other book that I think would make a great movie is The Shadow of the Wind!

I found the book interesting, but the writing not as good as "Shadow of the Wind". I have "The Angel's Game" by the same author, but I haven't read it yet.

ita-I read The Angel's Game-tough reading and creepy!