Church of Sant Gregori Taumaturg

The Church of Sant Gregori Taumaturg stands at the center of the square that shares its name, in the Sant Gervasi-Galvany neighborhood of Barcelona. In a city where most churches follow a long, rectangular plan, this building stands out immediately — locals simply call it "the round church," even though its floor plan is actually elliptical rather than a true circle.

How do you get there?

The church sits in a quiet, residential stretch of the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, well away from Barcelona's main tourist trail. That's exactly the appeal for visitors looking for a slice of genuine neighborhood life — the square around the church buzzes with everyday local activity, cafés, and small shops nearby. The easiest way in is by metro or city bus, followed by a short walk to Plaça de Sant Gregori Taumaturg, where the building's distinctive silhouette is visible from a distance.

What will you see?

The façade is defined by a white stone portico resting on four large columns — the most recognizable feature from the outside. White stone combines with brickwork across the elevations, giving the structure a sense of lightness despite its solid build.

The real impression, though, comes from the interior. The oval floor plan and tall ceiling create a feeling of openness and clarity, amplified by a large dome crowned with modern stained-glass windows. Light filtering through the colored glass spreads across the curved interior, producing a calm rarely found in small parish churches.

The building's history is as unusual as its architecture. The Sant Gregori Taumaturg parish was established in 1945 by Bishop Gregorio Modrego, initially operating out of the basement of a private residential building, with no church of its own. The design of the current church was entrusted to architect Bartomeu Llongueras Galí, but construction moved slowly and was halted entirely in 1973. Work didn't resume until two decades later, in 1993, when architect Jordi Bonet took over the project and simplified the original design. The church was finally completed and inaugurated in 1995 — half a century after the parish's founding.

When should you visit?

The church can be visited during the day as part of a walk through Sant Gervasi, a neighborhood known for its elegant townhouses and quiet character, a real contrast to the crowds in central Barcelona. Morning or early afternoon is the best time to go, when sunlight brings out the colors of the dome's stained glass. Since this is an active parish, casual sightseeing isn't appropriate during services — it's worth checking opening hours on-site around Mass times.

The square itself, Plaça de Sant Gregori Taumaturg, makes for a good short stop while exploring Barcelona's northern neighborhoods, especially combined with a walk through nearby Sarrià or Sant Gervasi, where Art Nouveau and modernist buildings sit alongside post-war residential architecture.

Frequently asked questions

Is it really a round church? "Round church" is the popular nickname — the building's actual floor plan is elliptical rather than a perfect circle. It's still the only church of this shape in Barcelona.

Who designed the church? The original design came from architect Bartomeu Llongueras Galí. After a long construction halt, Jordi Bonet completed the project, simplifying the initial plans.

How long did construction take? A very long time — the parish was founded in 1945, construction was suspended between 1973 and 1993, and the church wasn't finished and opened until 1995.

Is admission free? Yes. As an active parish church, it's open to visitors free of charge during opening hours, outside of service times.