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Enjoy exploring the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar when you are in Barcelona. Known as one of the finest surviving examples of the Catalan Gothic style of architecture in the whole world, the basilica is also a major landmark of the city because of its grandeur. Marvel at the spectacular structure of this church, or indulge in a guided tour whilst learning about its rich history and significance.
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is a Catalan Gothic church in the Born district of the Ribera neighbourhood in Barcelona. With its slender columns and vast nave, the basilica is an excellent and one of the only surviving examples of the ancient Catalan Gothic style of architecture. It is one of the most important religious buildings in Barcelona and is also a popular tourist destination.
The church serves as an important reminder of the city’s rich maritime history and is also amongst the most impressive and opulent structures of its kind in the entire country, if not in all of Europe.
The exterior of the basilica is decorated with intricate stone carvings and has two large towers that flank the main entrance. The interior of the church is just as stunning, with beautiful stained glass windows, a large nave and an altar that is adorned with gold. The marvellous interior is also home to a number of beautiful works of art, including a 13th-century altarpiece and a 15th-century statue of the Virgin Mary. The basilica also has a number of unique features, such as a 13th-century baptismal font and a 14th-century cloister.
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Highlights
• Pay a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, one of the finest remaining examples of Catalan Gothic architecture, located in Barcelona, Spain.
• Marvel at the spectacular facades of the church, or admire the beauty of the symmetrical towers that command the narrow streets here.
• Discover the many stained-glass windows inside the church, which exude a certain old-world charm and make this basilica all the more beautiful.
• Head to the altarpiece inside the church, which is home to a statue of the Virgin Mary with a ship, thereby representing the church’s name inspired by the maritime past of the city.
• Indulge in a guided tour of the church and get access to the magnificent terraces of the structure, each of which offers some of the most panoramic views of the cityscape.
How To Reach
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is located at Plaça de Santa Maria 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
You can get to the Basilica:
- By Metro: You can take a metro ride to the L4 Jaume I station, which is located a short walk away from the basilica.
- By Bus: Numerous buses also ply to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar from different parts of the city every day. Some of these include bus numbers 47, 120, H14, V12, V15, N0, N6, N28, and N70. You can also take the Tourist Bus on the red route, and get off at the Pla de Palau, which is only a few minutes walk away.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona is in the late afternoon or early evening. This is when the sunlight shines through the stained glass windows and creates a beautiful effect inside the church.
If you are able to, try visiting the church on a weekday when it is not as crowded as this will give you a chance to really appreciate the architecture and explore the attraction at your own pace.
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Other Essential Information
Here are some tips that every tourist should keep in mind while visiting the Basilica Of Santa Maria Del Mar:
- It is advisable to choose your outfit carefully when visiting the basilica since it is a place of worship. Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts and other similar clothing materials are considered inappropriate.
- Try to spend some time during the weekends at the basilica, which is when you can enjoy the free concerts of organ music here, and witness the amazing acoustics that the basilica has.
- When visiting the basilica, try to come here during the early evening hours, which is when there are relatively lesser crowds here, and you can even enjoy the beautiful effects of the stained glass windows inside.
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Interiors of the Basilica
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is a beautiful example of Catalan Gothic architecture. The interior of the church is very spacious, with high ceilings and large stained glass windows. The main altar is located at the end of the nave, and there are several side chapels along the walls. The overall effect is one of light and space, and the church feels very welcoming.
Exteriors of the Basilica
The exterior of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona is characterized by its simple, yet elegant design. The façade is made up of three levels, each with its own set of arched windows. The central level is the highest and features a large rose window. The exterior of the basilica is made up of stone and brick and is covered in a layer of stucco.
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The Altarpiece
The altarpiece inside the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona is a beautiful and ornate piece of religious artwork. It is made up of several different parts, including a central cross, a statue of the Virgin Mary, and various other smaller pieces. The central cross is the most eye-catching element of the altarpiece, and it is surrounded by a number of smaller pieces that help to create a sense of depth and dimension.
The statue of the Virgin Mary is also very striking, and her gentle face seems to radiate a sense of peace and serenity. The whole altarpiece is surrounded by a large frame, which is decorated with a number of intricate carvings. These carvings depict scenes from the life of Christ, as well as a number of other religious themes.
The Statue of the Virgin Mary
The statue of the Virgin Mary inside the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is a beautiful and sacred piece of art which is made of white marble and is life-sized. It is said to have been sculpted by an unknown artist in the 13th century.
The statue is located on the main altar of the basilica and is surrounded by candles. The Virgin Mary is the patron saint of the city of Barcelona. She is often referred to as the "Star of the Sea" and is a very important figure in the Catholic faith. In the basilica, the statue of the Virgin Mary is seen holding a ship, which is said to be a symbol of the city's rich maritime past.
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Terraces Inside the Basilica
The three terraces inside the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar offer stunning views of the city of Barcelona. From the top terrace, you can see the spires of the cathedral and the rooftops of the city. The middle terrace provides a view of the sea, and the lower terrace gives you a close-up view of the beautiful architecture of the basilica.
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Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar FAQs
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