Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

The Santa Maria del Mar basilica

The Barcelona audio-guided tour invites you to quiet contemplation before the Santa Maria del Mar basilica, one of the most perfect examples of Gothic architecture. All its harmony lies in the exceptional speed of its construction, which gives it a rare unity of style.

Built in half a century

Built between 1329 and 1383, in barely more than fifty years, the basilica escaped the disagreements of styles that mark cathedrals built over several centuries, hence its coherence. While the Saint Eulalia cathedral symbolised the monarchy and power, Santa Maria del Mar was to embody the humility of the fishermen and the popular faith of the Ribera district. It is indeed nicknamed the cathedral of the sea.

What there is to see

Under its compact exterior appearance hides an interior of striking luminosity and breadth. Tall octagonal columns, widely spaced, support the vaults and create an impression of space and elevation that is rare. The light of the stained-glass windows and the purity of the lines make it a place of peace conducive to contemplation, one of the finest Gothic buildings in the city.

Practical information

The Santa Maria del Mar basilica stands in the Ribera district, in Barcelona. An active place of worship, it is visited with respect for the contemplation of the faithful; access follows its own schedule, whose opening times may vary according to services. Appropriate dress is appreciated.

Why is the basilica so harmonious?

Because it was built very quickly, between 1329 and 1383, in a single Gothic style, without the breaks of building sites spanning several centuries.

Why is it called the cathedral of the sea?

Because it was the symbol of the popular faith of the fishermen of the Ribera district, in contrast with the cathedral linked to the monarchy.