Nova parròquia de Santa Eulàlia de Vilapicina

Nova parròquia de Santa Eulàlia de Vilapicina is a parish church in Barcelona, located in the Nou Barris district within the Porta area. Standing at Passeig de Fabra i Puig 260, it is a local landmark in a part of the city rarely visited by tourists, making it an interesting stop for travelers who want to see Barcelona away from the Gaudí trail.

What is the history behind this church?

The word "Nova" ("new") in the parish name is not incidental — it points to a newer church built to replace an older place of worship tied to the historic Santa Eulàlia de Vilapicina, the former name for this part of Nou Barris. The interior of the current building was designed by Josep Domènech i Estapà, a Catalan architect active around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, who also worked on other religious and public buildings across Barcelona.

During the 1960s, the church underwent renovation and decorative work carried out by technical architect Antoni Cantó, sculptor Tomàs Bel, and painter Llucià Navarro. Much of the decorative work visible today dates back to this period.

What does the façade look like, and when was it built?

The current façade was completed in 1998. Its most distinctive feature is the brick wall decorated with sculptures by Francesc Carulla Serra. The use of brick gives the façade a raw yet warm character, typical of religious architecture built in this part of Barcelona during the 20th century.

What will you see inside?

The interior underwent a thorough restoration between 2015 and 2018, led by the T113-Taller d'Arquitectura team, whose goal was to refresh the space and bring in more natural light. As part of the works, new stained-glass windows designed by Pere Cánovas were installed, produced at the Vitraleo workshop. These modern stained-glass pieces contrast with the older parts of the building and leave the interior noticeably brighter than before the renovation.

Visitors will notice the mix of older elements — such as the 1960s decorative work — with newer architectural interventions that don't try to imitate historic style but instead introduce a contemporary visual language.

How do you get to the church?

The church sits at Passeig de Fabra i Puig 260, in the Nou Barris district, in an area known as Porta. This is well outside Barcelona's main tourist zone but is well served by public transport, with nearby bus stops and metro stations covering the northern part of the city. For visitors exploring Barcelona beyond the usual sights, it's a good place to see everyday parish life in a residential neighborhood, far from the crowds at Sagrada Família or Park Güell.

When should you visit?

As an active parish church, the building is mainly accessible during service hours and general opening times. It's worth checking current mass schedules before visiting, since they can vary by day of the week and liturgical period. Visiting outside mass hours allows for a calmer look at the façade and exterior architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the church open to visitors? Yes, as an active parish it is open during service and opening hours, though its main function remains religious rather than touristic.

What makes this church stand out in Barcelona? The combination of a late 19th-century interior design by Josep Domènech i Estapà, a 1998 façade with sculptures by Francesc Carulla Serra, and a freshly restored interior (2015–2018) with new stained-glass windows.

Where exactly is it located? At Passeig de Fabra i Puig 260, in the Nou Barris district, in the area known as Porta, in the northern part of Barcelona.

Is it worth combining with other nearby attractions? Yes, the Nou Barris district offers a good chance to see a less touristy, more local side of Barcelona, with typical residential streets and neighborhood life.