Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar

The Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona is a beautiful and historically rich place to visit. Built in the 14th century, it’s an example of grand Catalan Gothic architecture. The towering columns and detailed stained-glass windows create an awesome yet peaceful atmosphere. The ticket price was just €5, which felt very reasonable for access to the main basilica, the museum in the tribunes, and the crypt. When I visited, it wasn’t busy at all, which made it easy to explore at my own pace and take in the details. You can comfortably see everything in about half an hour. If you’re looking for more, there’s a premium ticket (€10) that includes rooftop access with panoramic views of Barcelona. Guided tours are also available for those wanting a deeper dive into the history and architecture. Overall, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city—whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover or just someone looking for a quiet moment in a peaceful setting. I recommend it.

Our tour was incredible! Our tour guide was so knowledgeable. He took us to the roof and it had the best view. Highly recommend to book a tour in advance and arrive on time.

Very beautiful church, we visited at night and interior is fantastic. Here is some background: The Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona was built in the 14th century and is a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Constructed in just 55 years, it represents the devotion and effort of the local seafaring community. The basilica’s interior is strikingly spacious, with tall columns and colorful stained glass windows that create a serene and uplifting atmosphere. Its facade, though simpler than other Gothic cathedrals, reflects the elegance of its design.

Like rest of the churches this one was also ticketed so we just viewed it from the outside. Its in a nice secluded shaded corner so it was very nice break in the scorching sun. The area around the church is very pretty to walk around.

Stunning 14th century Gothic church in the heart of Barcelona's Gothic quarter. Lived the stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. €5 entry fee.

If you're looking to visit one of Spain's cathedrals but don't want to deal with the abundant amounts of tourists and foot traffic, you should consider the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar. Tickets weren't expensive at all, and their online portal is super user-friendly. You can purchase tickets at the door as well but not sure how busy it is on weekends. If you can, I'd recommend buying online to save a step once you're there. It's a smaller cathedral, so you probably won't spend too much time there. I'd recommend planning to spend about an hour to an hour and a half there. They have a little garden which is nice if you want somewhere to sit to enjoy the weather. They don't have AC inside, but they have a small basement section that is relatively cooler. When we went, we were lucky enough to catch their orchestra practicing for Sunday service. You can sit in the cathedral and listen for as long as you want, which was really a treat! They also do have bathrooms that you don't have to pay to use if you purchased tickets.

Ancient, deeply spiritual, profoundly beautiful. The artistic bravery required by the church to reimagine the chapel of the holy sacrament is, in my opinion, to be commended. One of my favourite places.

Visiting Basílica Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona was a truly enchanting experience. The beautiful chapel, with its stunning Gothic design, exudes an enigmatic atmosphere that reflects the deep connection of the community. The magnificent architecture and vibrant stained glass windows bring life to the building, making it a feast for the eyes. The story behind this chapel is equally amazing, showcasing how the community came together to create their own unique piece of history. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Barcelona.

After visiting the other must see Catholic Churches in Barcelona this was by far my favorite. Built by the people for the people. The remnants of the fires that destroyed most of the original art in the church gives it character. We were not able to go to mass there but we most definitely will next time in town. Beautiful example of Catalonian Gothic and simply majestic and a must see.

Beautiful church. If you go during the day, there is a small fee. In the evening between 6 and 8:30 pm ish, it's free but our itinerary was booked. Once inside, there is a door that goes up to the rooftop. It's free and is worth checking out. Spectacular views of the city.

Big beautiful building. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day! Huge vaulted ceilings and intricate stained glass windows. If you arrive before 1:00 pm or after 5:00 pm, the entrance is free. In between those hours the fee is 5 euros. There is no dress code, but please be respectful and cover shoulders and knees.

Nice to walk in a local Cathedral just as beautiful as the larger more frequently visited locations. Santa Maria is beautiful and we were able to observe the cathedral during mass. It is located in the El Born area of the Old City just across from where we we are staying in the Gothic Quarter. There is the Santa Maria Square just in front with some Cafes. Surrounding the Cathedral are small streets with stores, cafes , tapas , and bars We just walked in free of charge during mass and it is open to anyone that wants to attend. Beautiful colorful glass stained windows and a beautiful ancient bell tower. Beautiful for pictures and so convenient to attend mass and see one of the Old Cathedrals in the area.

This cathedral is pretty grand. Of course, it doesn't get as much publicity as the Sagrada Familia but it should. It's free to enter the church. You can also climb to the top of the tower for a view of Barcelona. They have an English/Spanish tour of the top at 5 pm, for 8 euros. You can buy your tickets in advance, but we bought them there, about 2 minutes after the tour started and just caught up with the group. Definitely worth checking out!

Shortly after Christianity arrived at the Roman colony of Barcino, a chapel emerged just outside the city. It is situated just outside the sea and serviced the artisans and craftsmen that lived and worked in the area. It took 55 years to build the church (an impressive amount of time), some of the building material was sourced from the stone quarry at Montjuic and is only surviving church made in the pure Catalan Gothic style. The rose window was a later addition in 1429, replacing a window that was destroyed in the 1428 earthquake. On July 19, 1936 anti-clericial rioters set fire to the church and burned for 11 days straight. Much of the church's decoration, including the baroque altar, were completely destroyed. The damage is still visible as you look up the ceiling and the roof. LOGISTICS Location: In the El Born/La Ribera neighborhood of the Barri Gòtic. Cultural visits are during the afternoons from 1pm to 5pm. During this time a €5.00 ticket will give you access to the church, gallery and crypt. On a guided tour (€8.50), you can go visit the towers and rooftops, getting another perspective of Barcelona. You can only see this via a guided tour. Note that the "complete tour" doesn't have an English option but "admission + guided visit towers and rooftops" does. English guided tours are offered around 2pm and 3pm. What was distinctive about this church is the narrow nave. The total width of the church (central + 2 side naves) is 33 meters, which is also the church's height. This enhances the length of the nave, which is compounded by no central transcept. The naves are supported by eight columns, 26 meters long and 15 meters apart from one another on each side. The side chapels (16) were owned by rich merchants or guilds who provided financial support during the church's construction. A similar setup can also be seen in the Barcelona Cathedral. The view from the rooftops is stunning but very similar to Barcelona Cathedral. If you're budgeting I recommend this view over the cathedral due to its location closer to the sea. You can also see Sagrada Família from this location. I would recommend this church if you have 3 or more days in Barcelona. Unlike Barcelona Cathedral (main church) and the Sagrada Família (Gaudí's magnum opus), this church was made by the people for the people. It's a bit more austere partly due to design but more forcibly so due to the fire but don't let this stop you from enjoying your visit.

Barcelona's famous churches are a highlight for tourists while they continue to serve the local community. Everyone knows La Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Cathedral, but coming here reinforced that Santa Maria del Mar (Saint Mary of the Sea) Basilica is older (built in 1329 - 1383) and just as impressive as any cathedral in the city. These days, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar has gained fame thanks to the 2006 novel "Cathedral of the Sea" by Ildefonso Falcones which was adapted for the Spanish-language Netflix series "La catedral del mar" in 2018. Visitors can attend mass, tour the cathedral, or tour the towers and rooftops. The massive structure was built when the Kingdom of Aragon ruled the Iberian Peninsula making it a superb artifact of classic Catalan Gothic (Gòtic Català) architecture. Santa Maria del Mar is one of the largest and most spacious medieval buildings in the world. The 43-foot spacing between columns makes it the widest Gothic church in Europe; however, the spartan interior is well-lit thanks to walls filled with a mix of ancient and modern stained glass windows. Several disasters have struck Santa Maria del Mar including the huge 1428 Catalonia earthquake and destruction by 1936 rioters during the Spanish Civil War that left the building on fire for 11 days. The resilient people of the parish and the church building have both thrived through the centuries since being consecrated on August 15, 1384. It still stands as one of the most famous churches in Barcelona for locals and tourist alike. * Tour tickets available online or on-site * Main tour: 10€ (adult); 8.50€ (students/seniors) * Tower tour: 8.50€ (adult); 7€ (students/seniors) * No children under 6 allowed on tours * Tours in Catalan & Spanish at 1:15 & 5:15 * Tours in English at 1:15, 2:00, 3:00, & 5:15 * Main tour is 1 hour; Tower tour is 40 minutes * No tour is required to enter * Both tours have stairs that are not accessible * Mass is daily at 7:30 pm * An international mass is at noon on Sunday * The temple is open 9:00a-1:00p & 5:00p-8:30p * Nave only visitation: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm * Take metro L3 to Jaume I or L4 to Barceloneta

Despite what some will tell you, this is not just a church, and definitely not a Cathedral, but a beautiful Basílica that has outstanding stain glass and a nice resting place, outside of it, to the right. Within you can be admired by the music, buy a candle for one Euro, and say a prayer.

A very memorable church to visit. The stained glass windows are most beautiful and the light coming through them is stunning. Take the time to walk around and see the side altars. The statues are so well done and the architecture is wonderful. It is a very quiet and peaceful place to visit. The Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar was built during the 14th century on a site which was once occupied by a Roman Amphitheatre. The church took 55 years to build and is a rare example of pure Catalan Gothic architecture. When you stroll around inside you get a wonderful feeling of serenity. During the 14th century the La Ribera neighbourhood was located by the beach and was home to a mix of sailors, harbour workers, fishermen, craftsmen and merchants. Unlike the Barcelona Cathedral, which was being built at the same time and was paid for by the king, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar was funded by local people. Wealthy merchants provided the majority of the money and sailors and porters transported tons of stone from the quarries on Montjuïc. Try to take a few moments to see this if you visit the city.

The Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona will always hold a special place in my heart. This was the last place that my son and the La Canada High School Choral Artists performed at in Spain on their whirlwind tour of the country that began in Madrid and ended in Barcelona. They also sang at some amazing places in Spain earlier such as: La Almudena de Santa Maria in Madrid (The current King got married there) - They sang during a Sunday Mass. The clergy sang songs in between in Spanish and they were unbelievable singers. Iglesia de San Pedro - Cuenca, Spain - UNESCO World Heritage City - Think of a place like Sedona, Arizona, but with houses perched on the side on the mountain. I would highly recommend visiting this city. Valencia Conservatory - March 17, 2015. They sang with students from the Conservatory in the middle of the Fallas Festival. Think of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but with fireworks going off in the middle of the day. Montserrat Monastery - They sang after the famous Boys Choir - Unbelievable place perched high on the hill. La Familia Sagrada in Barcelona - Gaudi's architectural masterpiece that will not be completed until the year 2026. Check out my review for this place. It is gorgeous! The Santa Maria del Mar is not as famous as the Barcelona Cathedral, but it was still beautiful and the acoustics were amazing. The concert had been advertised all over town because it was a benefit concert for leukemia research for the Jose Carrera Foundation. The place was packed full of locals and tourists and they all loved it. See my video of their last song which is called "Hear My Prayer". Most of the choir was crying at that point because it was the very last concert for some of them. We stayed in Barcelona a few more days and some family from Portugal come into town and we took them there. It so happened that a wedding was taking place and that was pretty cool to see.

When in Europe, it's sometimes easy for this American to get cynical. "Another Cute Village - Another Church" I might have said a few times. At the same time, it's easy to be impressed on how seriously Euro-Catholics take their religion (at least historically) and how each sanctuary in unique, beautiful, and architecturally significant in its own way. My visit to the Church of Santa Maria del Mar was one of the highlights of our recent trip to Spain. It's not as big and ornate as the Barcelona Cathedral or as Gaudi Amazing as Sagrada Familia. However, I felt humbled, calm, inspired, and overwhelmed as I wandered around this Gothic gem. I felt like a spiritual whole, even with lots of tourists wandering around and with digital cameras blazing. So if I'm not Catholic, what am I? This Church is the proud centerpiece of La Ribera and the Born area. Del Mar means "of the sea" and that's where the money came from to build this Church in only 55 years. As I stepped in, I noticed the figures of workers carved into the big front doors. Unfortunately, some of those workers burned many of the furnishings during the Spanish Civil War, as a protest again the Church's support of Franco. Today, the Church is relatively stripped down, naked in all its Catalan Gothic Glory. The tree-like columns also inspired Gaudi, and you can see that connection when you visit Sagrada Familia. 16th Century sailors left models of their ships at the foot of the Altar for Mary's protection, and even today there's an old Catalan ship at her feet.

Absolutely beautiful! Go at your own pace to view the amazing architecture. Definitely worth a visit.

This is a cool church I went to. Really nice inside and out. I just think a lot of churches in Barcelona are cool looking. This one is in the middle of the Gothic area. Make sure you check the hours.

We wanted to see some of the local smaller cathedrals in Spain so opted for Santa Maria del Mar. It was located not too far off La Rambla though some very small streets that were primarily used as pedestrian ways. Santa Maria del Mar is a beautiful cathedral and we enjoyed our visit and photographing the interior. Admission was free and the area that the cathedral was located is quaint. There were roof top visits later in the day for a fee but we were too early and it was a hot day. We recommend a visit.

When I picked up *Cathedral of the Sea* it seemed like a daunting 700 page read, but I plowed through it in three days. It's fiction, but truly gives one a historical perspective on how important this Cathedral is to the Catalans. This is the church for the people and it's quiet dignity has come to represent how I perceive the locals. It's large and airy with a parade of tourists as well as the devout praying. The tourists seem to always be respectful so it doesn't feel like a "tourist site," but actually a part of Barcelona. I would definitely call this the religious heart of Barcelona and all are welcome.

If you have time and can drop by this cathedral, I recommend just going in to appreciate the interiors and architecture, take some pictures and perhaps say some prayers (if you are religious). This should really not take much time and it's free. I think we spent less than 30 minutes here. If you don't have time or if this is not along the way with the rest of your itinerary, just skip it since there are other much better attractions to see (Gaudi's works, Palace of Catalan Music, Hospital de Sant Pau, etc.).

In complete contrast to the Sagrada Familia, this is a Gothic church that one might expect when visiting Europe. This church is also finished (but in defense of Sagrada Familia, good things come to those who wait). If you are making a visit to the Museu Picasso, you are in close vicinity to this lovely church. This is a worthwhile detour before or after your stop at the museum. The church is located in a relatively small unassuming square, surrounded by local businesses. Built in the 1300's and completed in 55 years or so, it stands as an impressive piece of architectural work. Unlike many of the other tourist sites, I felt calm and relaxed while visiting, as there were not throngs of tour groups passing through. Outside, there are large doors with images of men carrying stones, in homage to those who helped make the construction of this church happen. Inside, there is a calmness that prevails, in part due to sparser crowds, but also the lack of ornate imagery and detail. If you are a fan of visiting churches and would like a completely different experience from the Sagrada Familia, this is a great choice. The two together give you a wonderful expression of Catalan faith.

This is one of the most impressive churches I have seen in Barcelona. It is very old, grand and solemn. It has beautiful glass windows and nice gothic architecture. It is located in the El Born district and not too far away from Museo Picasso.

Wow. This 13th century cathedral is truly amazing. Set in the heart of the Born district, it's height is magnificent. It's hard to imagine how this structure was built. It is open to the public and there is no entry fee. There are candles available for purchase. Worth the trip!!!

To be honest, I pretty much prefer this temple to the Cathedral. It is not as grandiose, but just as beautiful, I especially liked the lights coming through the wonderful stained glass windows. It is also much more quiet and peaceful, giving me more of the atmosphere of a sacred building. I absolutely recommend a visit, especially for those looking for religious experiences not sights.

The Parròquia Santa María del Mar isn't as grand or ornate as the La Sagrada Famila or the Barcelona Cathedral but it has a quiet elegance that isn't always portrayed in such large churches and a touching history to go along with it. If you haven't read Ildefonso Falcones' 'Cathedral of the Sea', I would highly recommend it especially before visiting the church since you'll gain some insight into the people who put their love and labor into having it built. The facade is a beauty to behold but you may want to check times before you visit since it's not always open to the public. On the weekends there's a small farmer's market out front selling artisanal goods from chocolate to honey.

Spain is certainly a lovely place to be a Catholic.... If memory serves me, this place had amazing stained glass windows, with one strange modern one dedicated to the Olympics when they were in Barcelona some time in the 1990s. It was also really beautiful and peaceful inside (yeah, I know that can be said of every church around here) and has an interesting story...it was burned down more than once and again, and the surrounding neighborhood is a good place to stop off for a drink.

A huge gothic church in a tiny plaça. Take a tour of the church and remember to go to the rooftop where you get an amazing overview of the city.

Yet another beautiful Gothic church that just leaves you in awe. I was fortunate enough to have the side of this church as my view from my apartment balcony. If you're in Barcelona you'll probably be eating, going to the Picasso museum or shopping some point in El Born. Make a point of checking this out while there. It's definitely worth a look.

A beautiful church. It's a little run down, but the spaciousness of the inside of the building almost overwhelms you when you first enter. It's not the largest church I've ever been in, but it certainly tricks you into thinking so, which to me is a sign of a good design. I enjoyed the peacefulness of the church as my wife and I took a break from the insanity of the area on a Sunday afternoon.

I don't like church, never have - and never have I walked into a church and gotten goosebumps, ever, until I walked into this place. It is that beautiful and that powerful. It's hidden behind some buildings which is a shame b/c you can't enjoy it's beauty but that's also what makes it so charming. I fell in love with this church. It is a must when in Barcelona. MUST!

Barcelona's popularity in recent decades has made the Temple of the Sagrada Família, regarded unreservedly by many as Gaudí's masterpiece, the tourist Mecca and the architectural symbol of the city. But the building most frequently admired and loved by the citizens of Barcelona is this one: the jewel of Catalan Gothic, Santa Maria del Mar. In Catalonia and the Catalan-speaking regions there are many architectural gems of this period (roughly late 13th-early 16th Centuries), mostly in the form of cathedrals, monasteries, universities, and sundry civic buildings. None, however, are more exquisite in conception and audacious in ambition as Santa Maria del Mar. Construction of the present building began in 1329 on the site of a much older church known as Santa Maria de les Arenes (Holy Mary of the Sands). The name suggests that the sea was much closer to this spot in those times than it is today. The remains of the city's patron saint, Santa Eulàlia had been moved from this church to the Cathedral, and it was decided to build in its place something utterly divine. The first architect was Berenguer de Montagut, who was later replaced by Guillem Metge in the latter stages of the construction. The immediate neighbourhood, known interchangeably as the Ribera or Born, was then the city's commercial heart. Trades are evoked in many of the names of the streets: silversmiths, glassmakers, milliners. The small square opposite the façade, Plaça de Santa Maria, does not allow the visitor to stand back far enough to appreciate the splendour of its composition. The sense of harmony in the proportions and austerity in the ornamentation are explained by the relatively short time it took to build. In contrast, the building of the Cathedral spanned from 1298 to 1448, and then saw the construction of a neo-gothic façade between 1885 and 1915. Santa Maria del Mar was built in just 55 years. It is said that most of the city's able-bodied men took part in its construction. This deep civic involvement has contributed to its enduring popularity. It is ironic that this peaceful, silent edifice has benefited from violence: anarchists during the Civil War burned the baroque altarpiece and images, revealing an austerity so poetic and a rectilinear structure so awesome in its purity, that the magnificence of the original design is now fully revealed. The sheer scale of the nave is overwhelming to the visitor, powerfully enhanced by delicately shafts of morning light as entrancing as the octagonal columns that hold this marvel together. The spacing of the columns - 13 metres - is the widest of any Gothic church in Europe. The sensitive visitor will be both humbled and exalted in the presence of this visionary edifice. If you have time for just one religious building in Barcelona, this is the one to see.

One of the nicest churches in Barcelona reflects the simple beauty. Clearly reflects that sometimes less is more and Found this one of my favorite places in Barcelona. Clearly the centerpiece in the Borne town