Santa Maria del Mar is a grand basilica and a sight that is located in the Gothic Quarter. It was built in the 15th century when Catalan sailors conquered important marine trade routes. The interior is simply decorated, and the coronation of Saint Maria is depicted on the altar.
This building is an outstanding example of Catalan gothics, with pure and unique style that is uncharacteristic for Medieval buildings. The church was first mentioned in a document from 998. One of the most significant features related to the construction of the church is that it was supported by common and ordinary people, and not from the royalty. Construction works began on 25 March, 1329, when the King of Aragon, Alfonso IV, laid the foundation stone, and this is carved in Latin and Catalan on the tombstone that faces the Fossar de les Moreres.
Assigned architects were Berenguer de Montagut (building designer) and Ramon Despuig, and the citizens of Ribero also took part in construction works. Walls, side chapels and façades were finished in 1350. In 1379, there was a fire that damaged some parts of the building(s) considerably. Finally, on 3 November, 1383, the final stone was lad, and on 15 August, 1384, the church was consecrated.
Santa Maria del Mar has suffered several disasters: in 1379, when the fourth section of the vaults was supposed to be finished, scaffolds caught fire and the façade was damaged severely. Later on, an earthquake in 1428 caused some parts of the church to collapse, causing casualties. Finally, the church was set on fire on 3 and 4 August, 1936 by anarchist and communist that broke in
Opening hours of the basilica:
Monday to Saturday: 09:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 20:30
Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00
It was closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25
Visiting the cathedral is free. A tour of the terrace and tower of the cathedral costs 10 €.
Also, you can visit the cathedral in the evening with a guide for 2 hours at a price of € 17.50 in the period from June to mid-September.
Author of the article:
Ana Lazarević - correspondent for the city of Barcelona
Contact: [email protected]
Photo by Héctor J. Rivas on Unsplash
