Barcelona Churches, Santa Maria del Mar Church
The Santa Maria del Mar church is known throughout Barcelona as ‘The People’s Church’ and this is mainly due to the way in which it was constructed with the help of merchants and sailors who frequented the port of Barcelona.
These workers would carry the huge keystones used to build the church on their backs all the way from the quarry at Montjuïc to what was the seashore at that time. The dedication of these workers is depicted on the main doors of the church and the story has also inspired a best-selling novel ‘The Cathedral of the Sea’ by Ildefonso Falcones.
The Santa Maria del Mar church is certainly one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Barcelona and it is a favourite among locals as a place to get married due to its special history and breathtaking interior, a fabulous example of archetypal Catalan Gothic style.
Built in the fourteenth century, the Santa Maria del Mar church is a large, imposing structure with square shapes and vast towers which cast magnificent shadows on the cobblestones below.
It is also argued that the towering designs were a significant influence in Gaudi’s designs of La Sagrada Família. The stained glass windows are especially beautiful.
The magnificent interior acoustics enables it to be the perfect venue for classical music concerts throughout the year.
The church of Santa Maria del Mar is one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Barcelona, together with the Cathedral, Santa Maria del Pi, Sant Pere de Puel.les, Sant Pau del Camp and the cloister of Pedralbes.
ADDRESS:
T. +34 933 102 390
HOW TO GET THERE:
Bus: 14, 17, 19, 40, 45, 100, 120
Metro: L4 (Jaume I)
OPENING HOURS:
Monday to Saturday: from 09:00 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 20:00.
Sunday and public holidays: from 10:30 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 20:00.
