Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

Welcome to the harmonious Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. What makes it so perfectly balanced is actually how quickly it was built. It took just 55 years! Most cathedrals took centuries to complete, usually subject to changes in style and disputes that came with changing times. The Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia is a symbol of monarchy, higher authority, and wealth, whereas the Santa Maria del Mar Basilica was built to embody the humility of the fishermen and the faith of the common people. While the exterior is compact and modest, the interior is incredibly light and open. The columns are spaced 13 metres apart, something unheard of in Gothic cathedrals, defying gravity and seeming to launch the stonework straight up to the heavens. This is something no other basilica in the world can match. It’s as if mankind were trying to send all the earth’s sorrows toward the eternal. As you exit the basilica and continue your guide, you’ll see a slender red metal structure. It’s a memorial dedicated to all those who lost their lives during the siege of Barcelona in 1714, which devastated this neighbourhood. A flame on the top of the arch burns all year round in their memory.