A singular bridge not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo opens on the outside of the apse of the Pi church through the buttresses. The footbridge is visible from Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol, it does in fact give a certain respect and an accident that occurred more than 200 years ago is remembered by a plaque on the façade of the church.
This type of bridge is not common in Gothic temples and even less so outside. It is narrow and only allows the passage of one person. It also doesn't have any protection. And, judging by what the aforementioned plate explains, it is especially dangerous for overweight people. The plaque reports an accident recorded on April 6, 1806 that could have had fatal consequences. That day, it was learned of the imminent beatification of Sant Josep Oriol by Pope Pius VII. This was a reason for great celebrations, as he was a priest from Barcelona who was very loved by the people and committed to the city and the Catholic Church.
For some unknown reason, the then master builder of the cathedral, Josep Mestres i Garmatxes, was walking on the bridge. Of Mestres it is said that he was very obese, a cause that is pointed out that motivated him to fall into the void. However, against all odds, he was not harmed. There were even those who attributed it to one of the saint's miracles and deserved the placement of the plaque to record such an extraordinary fact.
The beatification of Sant Josep Oriol, which became official on September 5 of that year, took place after the Church recognized some of the miracles attributed to him. Among others, healings of the blind, deaf, lame, paralyzed, and even the resurrection of some dead. The truth, beyond the veracity or not of the miracles, is that he devoted himself to the care and assistance of the poor sick. In his biography it is also said that he distributed his salary among the most disadvantaged.
Josep Oriol lived in the second half of the 17th century. He died in 1702 at his home on Dagueria Street. He was buried in the Pi. Pius X canonized him on May 20, 1909.
