The people of Barcelona carry the basilica Santa María del Mar in their hearts.
It's the only Catalan Gothic church in Barcelona, and one of the oldest and richest buildings in Barcelona's old town.
The waiting list to get married here is said to be as long as two years.
Santa Maria del Mar: article summary
What is Santa María del Mar?
Some residents say that the Sagrada Familia is the church for tourists, while Santa María del Mar is the church of the people of Barcelona.
Although less famous than most of Barcelona's other attractions, it's certainly worth a visit. When you walk through the door, look up and you'll instantly understand why.
Plan your visit to Santa María del Mar
Unlike many other popular local attractions, you don't need much time to visit Santa María del Mar.
You can get in and see the whole church in less than 20 minutes, but if you want to take a guided tour and visit the roof (and I recommend you do), you'll spend up to an hour on site.
A visit can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the neighbourhood. d'El BornPerhaps the most beautiful part of the old town.
Many of its narrow streets date back to the Middle Ages. They are now lined with interesting fashion boutiques and small bars and restaurants serving contemporary tapas and fusion cuisine.
Visit Picasso Museum is just around the corner, and the old El Born market is well worth a visit. The La Ciutadella park is also nearby.
What is the dress code when visiting Santa María del Mar?
Bear in mind that Santa Maria del Mar is a Catholic church and, as such, there are certain restrictions on visitors' clothing.
Shorts, short skirts and bare shoulders are not allowed, so bring something to cover your shoulders, knees and legs. Flip-flops are permitted, but not recommended.
Information on tickets and guided tours
If you take a guided tour, you'll learn a lot about the basilica's history, architecture, religious context and significance. You'll also have the chance to visit areas not accessible on a normal tour.
Tours are available daily in English and Spanish, they last about 45 minutes.
Tours in English start at 2 pm and 5:15 pm. The guide will take you up to the roof for a magnificent view of the city.
Entrance to the crypt must be purchased separately from the tour ticket, although the crypt is not particularly interesting. If you don't go, you won't miss much.
What are the Basilica's opening times?
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar opens :
- Every day from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm).
You can visit Santa María del Mar free of charge from 9 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. On Sundays, the opening hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How much does admission cost?
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is only chargeable at certain times of the day. Between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., you have to pay to visit the church, tickets are €5.
These tickets are not available online. A map and information about what you will see are included with your ticket.
If you'd also like to see the roof, you can pay an additional €3 and join the guide. A visit to the crypt costs €2.
How to get to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar?
To get to the Basilica, I suggest you take :
- Visit metrothe nearest is Jaume I (L4, yellow line), a five-minute walk from the basilica.
- Visit tourist bus. Nearest tourist bus stop est Pla de Palau (red line).
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is a must-see when visiting Barcelona. During your visit, you will discover the magnificent Catalan architecture and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet in this centuries-old setting.
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