Santa Maria del Mar
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Santa Maria del Mar - Jiuguang Wang (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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Description
Santa Maria del Mar ("Saint Mary of the Sea") is a 14th century church designed in the Catalan Gothic style in El Born neighbourhood, Barcelona. Unlike other churches at the time, its construction was financially backed by the common people (the background to the best-seller La Catedral del Mar) Massive looking from outside, the interior feels very spacious but is almost devoid of any imagery, mostly because of the fire set by anti-clerical rioters in 1936.
Access & Transport
The Basilica is located in between the Jaume I and Barceloneta metro stations on the L4, each is about 300m away. The nearest bus stops are along Passeig d'Isabel II and Via Laietana, about 2' walk away.
Instructions & Recommendations
Note the split visiting hours with a gap in the afternoon and that children under 8 are not allowed on to the tower and terraces. We recommend combining a visit there with the Picasso Museum, a discovery of the El Born neighbourhood or, a bit further, Barceloneta Beach or the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. The entrance fee helps preserve this historic building, part of the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
The Basilica Santa Maria del Mar makes for an excellent cultural activity for those who happen to be in El Born or Gothic Quarter neighbourhoods, or those who have read the novel about its construction. It is not the most impressive church in the city but has an impressive, unified exterior and there is a great sense of space once inside.
Key positive
Interesting background history with the local porters (bastaixos)
Located in an interesting neighbourhood
Key negative
Lack of decoration / art inside
Suitability
No religious denomination restrictions. Only the ground floor and the chapel are accessible for wheelchair users
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:1h
Monday10:00 - 20:30
Tuesday10:00 - 20:30
Wednesday10:00 - 20:30
Thursday10:00 - 20:30
Friday10:00 - 20:30
Saturday10:00 - 20:30
Sunday10:00 - 20:30