{"id":548387,"date":"2024-10-18T14:04:59","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T12:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/locabarcelona.egluu.com\/?page_id=548387"},"modified":"2024-10-18T14:04:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T12:04:59","slug":"santa-maria-del-mar","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/locabarcelona.egluu.com\/en\/living-in-barcelona\/history-architecture\/santa-maria-del-mar\/","title":{"rendered":"Santa Maria del Mar"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Inicio<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Guide to visit Santa Mar\u00eda del Mar<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Basilica of Santa Mar\u00eda del Mar, also known as the Cathedral of the Sea, is a symbol of Catalan Gothic architecture. This building not only stands out for its beauty but has also witnessed the many ups and downs that the city of Barcelona has experienced over the centuries. In this guide, we will explore its history, architecture, and some interesting facts about the basilica and the surrounding area.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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History<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The history of Santa Mar\u00eda del Mar begins in the 4th century when an amphitheater and a chapel were founded in a necropolis where Saint Eulalia, a martyr, was buried. Much later, in the 14th century, it was decided to build the basilica on the site where the chapel stood.<\/p>

The residents of Vilanova del Mar, known today as La Ribera or El Born, were mostly sailors and merchants. The nearest temple they had was the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and Santa Eulalia<\/a><\/span>, dedicated to royalty, nobility, and the high clergy. However, this cathedral did not represent them; they wanted a church that reflected their identity and with even larger dimensions. Thanks to the support of the ecclesiastical authorities, construction of the Basilica del Mar began in 1329, led by architects Berenguer de Montagut and Ram\u00f3n Despuig, with the help of the local community.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Architecture<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Basilica of Santa Mar\u00eda del Mar is one of the most iconic examples of Catalan Gothic style, renowned for its austerity and sense of space, in contrast to the Gothic style found in other parts of Europe, which is characterized by soaring heights and abundant ornamentation.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Interior<\/h3>

The basilica consists of three naves, but the nearly uniform height of the three sections creates a sense of unity, making the building feel like one large nave. The sixteen octagonal pillars, devoid of any decoration, are the only space dividers, and their slenderness helps maintain a sense of open space.
The bare walls and the light that filters through the stained-glass windows give prominence to natural light throughout the basilica.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Exterior<\/h3>

The exterior of the basilica is impressive not only for its size but also for its subtle details. While it maintains the interior\u2019s simplicity, features such as the towers and rose window catch the eye from afar.<\/p>

The main fa\u00e7ade faces Santa Mar\u00eda Square, framed by two tall towers, with a large rose window in the center. The main door includes significant historical details: not only the images of Saint Peter and Saint Paul but also bronze figures of the “bastaixos,” the workers responsible for loading and unloading goods from the port, in homage to the involvement of locals in the basilica\u2019s construction.<\/p>

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The other two fa\u00e7ades are less ornate than the main one. The fa\u00e7ade facing Santa Mar\u00eda Street is notable for the gargoyles on the buttresses and the reverse side of the colorful stained-glass windows. It is also next to the Fossar de les Moreres, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1714 siege of Barcelona. Every September 11, this area hosts La Diada, Catalonia\u2019s national day.<\/p>

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The other fa\u00e7ade, which faces Passeig del Born, is more austere, with large buttresses that further emphasize the simplicity of the rest of the structure.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Curiosities<\/h3>

Over the years, the basilica has been marked by several historical events.<\/p>

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In 1428, during a morning mass, the congregation began to feel a tremor. Realizing it was an earthquake, they ran out of the basilica just as the rose window collapsed, killing 30 people. Although the rose window was rebuilt two years later, cracks are still visible on the fa\u00e7ade as a reminder of that tragic day.
Two centuries later, in 1896, an anarchist threw a bomb near the church. While the basilica itself was not seriously damaged, the bomb resulted in 12 deaths.<\/p>

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The most significant event in the history of the Cathedral of the Sea occurred during the Spanish Civil War. In 1936, radicals set fire to the church, and it burned for eleven days. The fire destroyed the main altar, choir, royal gallery, organ, and several stained-glass windows. Restoring the basilica took 30 years, and part of the funding came from various organizations, including a donation from Football Club Barcelona, which is commemorated with the club\u2019s crest in one of the stained-glass windows.<\/p>

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Although the basilica has long been part of Barcelona\u2019s history and a tourist attraction, its popularity surged after the publication of Ildefonso Falcones\u2019 novel La Catedral del Mar in 2006. The book, which sold more than 6 million copies and was translated into over 15 languages, tells the story of 14th-century Barcelona during the construction of the basilica. Fans of the novel can enjoy literary tours that visit the most iconic places featured in the book.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Find your dream apartment in Barcelona<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss your project.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How to get there<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Basilica of Santa Mar\u00eda del Mar is located in the heart of the Ribera neighborhood, within the Ciutat Vella district. Its location is perfect for a day of exploring the Gothic Quarter<\/a><\/span> and its various tourist spots.<\/p>

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Ciutat Vella is probably the most historic part of Barcelona and offers the most attractions, as well as being the city\u2019s central area, situated between Plaza Catalunya and the beach, including neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter<\/a><\/span>, Barceloneta, and El Born<\/a><\/span>. The district offers a wide variety of museums, restaurants, and nightlife, making it appealing to everyone. Beyond being a great place to visit, it\u2019s also an excellent area to rent an apartment<\/a><\/span>, with charming buildings near historical landmarks and plenty of activities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Plan your visit to Santa Mar\u00eda del Mar\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere is the Basilica of Santa Mar\u00eda del Mar?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

The basilica is located at Plaza de Santa Mar\u00eda, 1.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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You can take the metro, get off at Jaume I station (L4), and walk for four minutes.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The basilica is open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you want to visit the museum and the crypt, the hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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You can enter the basilica for free, but not all areas (such as the terrace and towers) are accessible.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Ticket prices range from \u20ac5 to \u20ac12, depending on whether you want a guided tour, your age, etc. Check the website<\/a><\/span> for different prices and types of visits.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Mass is held in Catalan from Monday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and on Sundays, there is an International High Mass in various languages at 12:00 p.m., with a Spanish mass at 7:30 p.m.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Don't miss out on what there is to do in Barcelona <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Restaurants in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Best Bars in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Transports in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Barcelona Festivals<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Architecture in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Contact us<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Do not hesitate to contact us if you have a question or would like to discuss your project.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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