The basilica of Santa María del Pi is a religious establishment dating from the XIVᵉ century.
Its name refers to a medieval legend of a fisherman discovering the image of the Virgin Mary on a pine tree.
Today, it's a popular tourist destination.
Let me tell you more about this Barcelona landmark.
Santa Maria Del Pi: article summary
The history of Santa Maria del Pi
According to legend, a Vᵉ century fisherman discovered the image of the Virgin Mary on a pine tree he intended to cut down to build a boat. Struck by the vision, he instead built a small church, later concretized into a major Gothic structure.
Following the substantial economic success of the Crown of Aragon in the XIIIᵉ and XIVᵉ centuries, Barcelona's most important churches underwent some renovation. Between 1318 and 1320, construction began on the Romanesque church that preceded the present-day basilica.
However, due to several misfortunes, including Barcelona's heavy losses during the Black Death, construction was not completed until 1391. The impressive 14thᵉ century basilica is a classic of Catalan Gothic architecture, with an imposing façade, vast interior and unique nave.
The simple decor of the main section contrasts with the gilded chapels and the exquisite XXᵉ-century replica of the original rose window. One of the largest in the world and the largest of all Barcelona's churches, the rose window bathes the interior of the church in beautiful refractions throughout the day.
Unique chapels in Barcelona
Among the church's many chapels, the one known as the Chapel of the Blood stands out. It is designed as a small church on the south side of the main building.
It features several angels, and its ornamentation is no less striking: the entrance capitals host a series of fantastical animals, including monkeys, eagles and griffins.
The basilica of Santa Maria del pi: a symbol of the Renaissance period
Cependant, la période la plus extraordinaire de la basilique coïncide avec le début du XVIᵉ siècle et l’arrivée de la Renaissance en Catalogne. Mais cet âge d’or fut bref
: la Guerre de Succession et les différents sièges que subit Barcelone in the early XVIIIᵉ century left the church badly damaged.In 1714, several bombs fell on the presbytery vault, destroying the Altarpiece Major and its ornaments. Fortunately, the Virgin Mary and the rest of the images remained untouched and parishioners interpreted it as a miracle.
An attack that almost led to the total destruction of the basilica
The church came under attack again in the XXᵉ century, when groups of uncontrolled anticlericals set fire to several Barcelona churches, including Santa María del Pi. The fire completely consumed the high altar and choir stalls, the portals and some chapels, including the blood chapel and the great organ.
The stained glass windows exploded in the heat. The building suffered severe structural damage, particularly to the roof and vault. Only the archives, containing documentation from the XIIᵉ century to the present day, were saved thanks to the action of certain government officials, among whom was the famous librarian and Catalan historian Jordi Rubió i Balaguer.
Despite the decidedly mixed circumstances the basilica has overcome over the years, the building is still going strong. It remains the imposing center of Gothic districtA century-old pine tree still grows in the adjacent square.
What should you visit on site?
Are you standing in front of the Basilica of Santa María del Pi and don't know what to see? Let's take a look at what you can't miss when visiting the building.
Observing the facade
Before entering, spend some time with the impressive façade. Look at the rose window, which measures 10 metres in diameter, considered as the largest in Catalonia. In reality, it's a copy of the original destroyed in an earthquake centuries earlier. The replacement was also the target of attacks during the civil war.
Visit the crypt
The crypt is under the main altar and is quite small. Access is usually closed, but you can ask for a guided tour.
Don't forget to climb the bell tower
The church, crowned by an octagonal bell tower, houses six bells. The largest and most impressive is called Antònia. The tower is 55 meters high, and you can climb to the top for a view of the church. admire one of Barcelona's finest views.
How to get to Santa Maria del Pi
To get there, you can borrow :
- Subway on the way out Liceu (line 3) or Catalunya (lines 1 and 3) stations
- The lines of bus 9, 16, 17, 22, 41, 42, 55 or 141
Although the basilica isn't one of Barcelona's main sights, it's well worth a visit if you have a spare hour in the city. You can discover a monument rich in history in the heart of the city.
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