The San Francisco de Sales Parish Church, located in the Dreta de l’Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona, is a 19th-century Neo-Gothic church designed by architect Joan Martorell i Montells, Antoni Gaudí’s mentor. Originally built as part of the Salesas Convent, it stands out for its architecture, which combines different materials and design solutions that foreshadowed some of the hallmarks of Catalan Modernism.
Candlelight at the San Francisco de Sales Parish takes this architecture to another dimension: thousands of candles illuminate its columns, arches, and vaults during classical music concerts and tributes to the great names of pop and…
A Bit of History
Built for the former Salesas convent, the San Francisco de Sales Parish Church was consecrated in 1885 and is considered the most important work of Joan Martorell, Antoni Gaudí’s mentor. Its history has been quite turbulent: it suffered severe damage during the Tragic Week of 1909 and again in 1936, and decades later, a fire blackened its walls and vaults. In 1991, restoration work began, resulting in the church we see today.
Concerts at the Parish Church of San Francisco de Sales
In addition to its religious activities, music also has a place at the Parish of San Francisco de Sales. Within its walls, Candlelight concerts are held—an opportunity to enjoy classical music in Barcelona in an intimate and awe-inspiring setting, surrounded by a sea of candles. Whether featuring piano or a string quartet, the programs range from Vivaldi to tributes to Coldplay or Ludovico Einaudi, and tickets for the coming months are already on sale.
25 September 2026 19:00 + more dates
25 September 2026 21:00 + more dates
2 October 2026 19:00 + more dates
9 October 2026 19:00 + more dates
Where is the San Francisco de Sales Parish and how to get there
The San Francisco de Sales Parish is located at Passeig de Sant Joan, 90, in the Dreta de l’Eixample neighborhood, between Aragó and València streets. Getting there by public transportation is easy: the nearest metro stations are Verdaguer (L4 and L5) and Tetuan (L2). Several bus lines also stop practically right next door, including the 6, V19, 19, D50, H10, 33, and 34.
Mass Schedule
During the months of July and August, Masses at the Parish of San Francisco de Sales are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 a.m., on Saturdays and the eves of holidays at 7:00 p.m., and on Sundays and holidays at 11:30 a.m.
Can you visit the San Francisco de Sales Parish Church?
Yes, you can visit outside of Mass times. The church is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; on Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and on Sundays and holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Is it accessible?
The San Francisco de Sales Parish Church is wheelchair accessible.
Nearby points of interest in Barcelona
The parish church is located in the heart of the Eixample district, near some of Barcelona’s greatest architectural icons, such as the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera-Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló. It’s also close to the Church of the Sacred Heart, another Candlelight venue in Barcelona that—like the parish church of San Francisco de Sales, the Sant Pau Modernist Complex, and the Gaudí Crypt—is illuminated by thousands of candles to host these intimate concerts.
