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Santa Maria del Mar Review

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Santa Maria del Mar

Address: Pl. de Santa Maria, Born-Ribera, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08003
Phone: 93/310-2390

Category: Religious Sites
Location: Ciutat Vella (Old City)

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 5.0/5

Fodor's Review:

The most breathtakingly symmetrical and graceful of all Barcelona's churches is on the Carrer Montcada end of Passeig del Born. It's an early Gothic basilica with Romanesque echoes and overtones; simple and spacious, this pure, classical space enclosed by soaring columns is something of an oddity in ornate and complex Moderniste Barcelona. Santa Maria del Mar (Saint Mary of the Sea) was built from 1329 to 1383, an extraordinarily prompt construction time in that era, in fulfillment of a vow made a century earlier by Jaume I to build a church to watch over all Catalan seafarers. The architect in charge of the construction, a mere stonemason named Montagut de Berenguer, designed a bare-bones basilica (an oblong Roman royal hall used for public meetings and later adapted for early Christian or medieval churches) that's now considered the finest existing example of Catalan (or Mediterranean) Gothic architecture. The number eight (or multiples thereof)—the medieval numerological symbol for the Virgin Mary—runs through every element of the basilica's construction: 16 octagonal pillars rise 16 meters before arching out another 16 meters to the painted keystones at the apex of the arches 32 meters overhead. The sum of the lateral aisles, 8 meters each, equals the width of the center aisle, and the difference in height between the central and lateral naves, 8 meters, equals their width. The result of all this proportional balance is a tonic sense of peace and enlightenment, an almost mystical poise enhanced by a lovely rose window whose circular mass in blues and crimsons perfectly offsets the golden sandstone verticality of the columns. Any excuse to spend time in Santa Maria del Mar, from eavesdropping on a wedding, to hearing a concert, to using it merely as a shortcut through to the Passeig de Born, is valid. The haunting "Cant de la Sibil.la" ("Song of the Sibyl"), performed on Christmas Eve before the midnight Mass, is a concert not to miss, and Handel's Messiah at Christmas and Haydn's Creation at Easter are also noteworthy annual events. Any chance to hear Renaissance choral music here—performances of the works of such composers as Tomás Luís de Victoria, Guerrero, Tallis, and Byrd—especially if performed by the Sixteen or the Tallis Scholars, is a special treat.

Open: Daily 9-1:30 and 4:30-8
Metro: Catalunya, Jaume I

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by friendlytraveller from Laguna Beach, CA on 12/8/08
One of the most breathtaking cathedrals I have ever seen. Even if you are not catholic see and feel the love and respect that went into planning and building this extraordinary tribute to Mary. You won't be disappointed. Also, don't miss the chapel behind the altar - exquisite.