Basílica de Santa María del Mar - Born Cathedral
Gothic cathedral built 1383 at the peek of Catalonia's Maritime and mercantile prominence. Free entry but also offers a guided tour including visit to rooftop
About Santa Maria del Mar Basilica
Barcelona is a city with multiple grand churches, major basilicas and Cathedrals such as the Sagrada Família, Barcelona Cathedral and The Basilica de Santa María del Mar The cathedral in El Born Neighbourhood.
The Basilica de Santa María del Mar is known as the Cathedral of the Sea because it was originally built in a part of Barcelona called La Ribera which was on the sea front and a neighbourhood of dock workers, sailors and merchants plus any other professions related to sea trade.
The cathedral is pure Catalan Gothic in style where as other churches, basilicas and cathedrals from this time are a mix of styles.
Spanish archaeologist Jordina Sales theorises that the site that is now occupied by the Santa María del Mar basilica was once the location for Roman Barcelona's amphitheatre, but tis is currently being disputed.
Santa María del Mar History
The current temple originates from 1329 when the first corner stone was laid. The site of the church was historically very close to the shore line in a neighbourhood then known as la Ribera or shoreline and was in a part of town where wealthy merchants and minor nobility built their houses (Calle Montcada). This neighbourhood was derived from trades related to the sea such as ship building, craftsmen, import-export, dock workers and porters.
Construction of the church was funded by wealthy pious merchants and king Pere III gave permission for stone to be quarried from Montjuïc and the local residents and merchants assisted with boats to bring the stone to the site. Note the two Stone inscription stones by the Entrance door located on Santa Maria Street.
The temple is unusual for a catholic church as the decoration inside is minimal. This is because in 1936, during the Spanish civil war the church was sacked and set on fire, burning for 11 days. Much of the interior including the magnificent baroque altar and the images in the historical archive were all destroyed. A more detailed history is included in the guided tour.
Image Gallery for Santa Maria del Mar Basilica
Click on any of the 43 images to open full screen gallery player
