Hidden in the Dreta de l’Eixample and featuring a Neo-Byzantine dome: the church that houses the sword of Saint Ignatius hosts concerts starting at 17 euros

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Carla Palenzuela

 –  Editor

 ·  September 29, 2026

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The Church of the Sacred Heart, located in the Dreta de l’Eixample, is the Neo-Romanesque church that the Jesuits built in the late 19th century next to the Casp School. Designed by Enric Sagnier and Joan Martorell, this church survived fires and an attempted demolition throughout the 20th century, eventually establishing itself as a neighborhood icon. Although its exterior goes unnoticed among the buildings on Casp Street, its interior surprises visitors with its large Neo-Byzantine dome and the richness of its mosaics, in addition to housing a valuable historical treasure.

Now, the Candlelight concerts at the Church of the Sacred Heart fill this historic nave with candles and live music.

A Brief History of the Church of the Sacred Heart

Built in the late 19th century for the Jesuit order, this church weathered severe fires during the Tragic Week of 1909 and even a demolition plan in 1937, when the City Council sought to expand the adjacent school. The Catalan Government halted the demolition by designating the building as a protected heritage site, allowing the church to preserve, to this day, priceless artifacts in its Neo-Byzantine nave: from its historic pipe organ to the sword that Saint Ignatius of Loyola placed before the Virgin of Montserrat in 1522.

Concerts at the Church of the Sacred Heart – Jesuits

The acoustics of its nave make this church an ideal venue for live music. The church occasionally hosts organ recitals or choral performances, but its major cultural event is the Candlelight Concerts. These evenings offer a unique experience for those seeking to enjoy classical music in Barcelona, by the light of thousands of candles and featuring a talented string quartet.

The repertoire ranges from contemporary tributes to artists such as Marc Anthony and selections featuring the best of zarzuela to seasonal themed programs. Among these, the special Halloween concert stands out, where iconic pieces such as Mozart’s “Lacrimosa” and Saint-Saëns’ “Danse Macabre” resonate in an atmosphere steeped in mysticism.

How to get to the Church of the Sacred Heart

You’ll find the Church of the Sacred Heart on Dreta de l’Eixample, at Casp 27. If you’re using public transportation, the fastest way to get there is by metro, getting off at the Urquinaona (L1 and L4) or Plaça de Catalunya (L1 and L3) stations. There are also bus lines that drop you off practically right at the door, such as the 54, 39, 47, or V17, which stop at Casp and Pau Claris. Prefer to drive? The Saba Bamsa Plaça Urquinaona parking garage is open 24 hours a day.

What are the Mass times?

The church holds daily Masses Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 7:30 p. m. On Sundays and holidays, there are three morning services (8:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.) and a family Mass in the evening, which is held at 7:00 p.m. from October through May and moves to 7:30 p.m. during the summer months.

Can you visit it?

Yes, the church is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. without interruption. During these hours, admission is free.

Is the Church of the Sacred Heart accessible to people with limited mobility?

Yes. The venue is accessible to people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. It features an access ramp at the Casp Street entrance and a spacious, step-free interior in the main areas for worship and visitation.

Nearby points of interest in Barcelona

The location of the Church of the Sacred Heart—Jesuits is perfect for combining your visit with other key attractions in the city center. Just a few steps away is the Teatre Tívoli, on Casp Street itself. Also nearby are Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia and the Palau de la Música Catalana, another of the Candlelight venues in Barcelona.