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Enjoy the terrace as you take in the main entrance to the Santa Maria
del Mar basilica.
One of the bell towers. Notice the flat roof as opposed to the typical
spires of northern Gothic architecture.
This is a detail of the main door. It depicts a bronze dock worker and
his load.
An ancient lamp post bears witness to the passing years.
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Images and Text by Gaston
Magrinat. Click on any image for a larger version.
The church of Santa Maria del Mar was begun in 1329,
constructed during and just after the years of the Black Death, and
completed in 1384 Built over a burial site that dates back to the first
century A.D., it was designed to replace the old shrine with a new church
dedicated to Christ’s mother, Mary, in her role as patron of sailors.
Located in the then prosperous La Ribera quarter, the Santa Maria del
Mar church was surrounded by streets occupied by craftsmen and workers
belonging to specific guilds, especially the huge numbers of haulers
and porters who worked in the port and gave large cash contributions
to its building. In fact, if you look at the large oaken doors you will
see two bronze figures of porters carrying their loads. There are several
other such references to be found inside the church in the form of stone
relief’s. Because most of the able-bodied population of Barcelona
worked on its construction, Santa Maria del Mar has a reputation as
a people’s church, made by workers for workers
If you have visited other Gothic churches such as those
in France and England, you will notice that Santa Maria del Mar is quite
unlike them. Where are the detailed facades, the gargoyles, the flying
buttresses and the pointed spires? Nowhere to be seen. Catalan Gothic
consists of wide, rather than long and narrow, structures which are
like fortresses. Plain and simple on the outside, but spacious and breathtaking
within. Their inner space makes their northern counterparts, including
Notre Dame, seem claustrophobic by comparison. In Spain, there is no
more grand or solemn architectural space than that of Santa Maria del
Mar.
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A saint stands watch over the main entrance. Notice the relatively plain
design.
A worshiper makes her way down the main aisle towards the altar. On
the way she passes one of the side entrances to the basilica.
One of the many stained glass windows which grace the basilica.
One of the main bell towers seen from a narrow side street of the Gothic
Quarter. Laundry dries under its gaze.
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