Barcelona Attractions

Santa Maria del Mar Barcelona

The Santa Maria del Mar is a Gothic built church in Barcelona. The church was built between the years of 1329 and 1383 in the district of La Ribera. The first time we read about the Santa Maria is back in 998. But it was Bernat Llull, who was appointed as cannon in 1324 who promoted the building we see today.

Construction of the church began in March the year of 1329, the first stone being laid by King Alfons the Kind. The architects chosen for this prestigious building were Berenguer de Montagut and Ramon Despuig. The chapel's walls and facades were finished in 1350, but a fire in 1379 damaged many parts of the church, including important art works.

Finally in November the final stone was added to the building, and in August the following year the first mass was given. In 1428 an earthquake rocked the region, which lead to the rose window, at the West End of the church being destroyed. Although it is thought, that nobody died within the church, several casualties were recorded. The North West tower was finally completed in 1496, but its companion had till wait till 1902. The outside of the Santa Maria gives an impression, which belies the churches interior.

Most visitors are surprised as to the light and space, which the church offers once inside. The interior is made up of three aisles, which form a single space with no transepts and no architectural boundary between the presbytery and naive. The churches vault is supported by a slender octagonal column.

The Santa Maria's interior is almost devoid of imagery, which can be found in most other, Gothic churches of Barcelona. The Santa Maria del Mar church in Barcelona, may not be as well known as the Sagrada Familia, but in many people's eyes is just as important. The construction of the church, was used recently as 2006 for the background of the novel La caterdal del Mar, by the author Ildefonso Falcones.

When you are next planning a trip to Barcelona, please leave time to visit, the Santa Maria del Mar.