What You Need to Know before You Visit the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar

Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona, Spain

Creating a vacation itinerary for a trip to Barcelona could be one of the most challenging tasks you’ve ever attempted!  This exotic city is absolutely bursting with so many spectacular sights, restaurants, and activities.  You might have trouble wondering where to start!  One spot you don’t want to miss is the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar.  Thousands of years old, this extraordinary cathedral is filled with wonders.  Take a look at what this historic site has to offer and add it to your vacation itinerary today!

Everything You Need to Know before You Visit the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar

History of the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar

Construction of the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar began in the year 1329.  It was completed in 55 years, which was a surprisingly short amount of time to build a cathedral of such size during this particular time period.  This church was funded almost solely by local residents of its surrounding neighborhood, known today as La Ribera, a community located on the shore that specialized in shipbuilding as well as constant imports and exports.

What to See at the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar

The magnificent architecture of this cathedral is enough to make your jaw drop.  The Basilica Santa Maria del Mar displays the perfect example of distinctive 14th century Catalan Gothic architecture.  In addition to its towering appearance, this beautiful masterpiece is also filled with incredible artwork.  Gaze at the numerous, colorful stained windows that adorn this cathedral in awe.  This intricate pieces are from several different time periods, some of which are originals that were created when the cathedral was first constructed.  You’ll also be able to observe a Gothic structure of the Virgin Mary as well as numerous paintings and priceless relics.

Visiting the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar

This attraction is open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.  You can also attend Mass here every day at 7:30 p.m.  Guided tours of this breathtaking cathedral are highly recommended.  During a guided tour, you are led up to the rooftops of the church, the rear chapels, then all the way down to its crypts.  You will also be able to learn more about its fascinating history.  Take a look at their website to discover their prices, schedule, and much more.  

If you want to see more of Barcelona’s finest landmarks, visit the Casa Batllo!

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Why the Casa Batlló is One of the Best Attractions in Barcelona

Enjoy the casa de batllo in BarcelonaBarcelona contains numerous extraordinary qualities that make it a prime vacation destination.  Some visitors travel here for the remarkable cuisine, while others prefer exploring the towering mountains and beautiful beaches.  However, some say Barcelona’s most defining attribute is its incredible, one-of-a-kind architecture.  This exotic city is filled with the works of the talented and revolutionary architect, Antoni Gaudí.  Some of his most famous pieces include the Bellesguard Tower, the Sagrada Familia, and, last but not least, Casa de Batlló.  Also known as “the house of the dragon,” this particular building is considered one of the most bizarre forms of architecture in all of the city.  Learn everything you need to know about the Casa de Batlló, then start planning your visit so you can see this amazing structure and all its fascinating attributes with your own eyes!

All about Casa de Batlló

Casa Batlló Hours

You can visit Casa Batlló any day of the week, 365 days per year!  The Casa Batlló hours run from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., so you can stop by anytime during your exploration of Barcelona’s many attractions.  

Casa Batlló Tickets

Conveniently available for purchase online, Casa Batlló tickets cost about $25.00 with discounts for students and seniors.  Children under the age of 7 are allowed in for free!

What to See at the Casa Batlló

This architectural treasure will amaze you the moment it comes into view!  The exterior is decorated with gorgeous shades of colorful mosaics, while its appearance is made of curved and wavy shapes, rather than sharp angles and straight lines.  With the shiny tiles, arched roof, and protruding balconies, some say it resembles a dragon.  Inside Casa Batlló, you’ll find more vibrant mosaics arranged in swirling patterns, along with colored windows and skylights.  The Casa Batlló interior was influenced by the architect’s love of marine life, as can be seen through the dominant blue and green colors and the shapes of coral and other sea creatures scattered throughout.  

History of the Casa de Batlló

Antoni Gaudí designed this masterpiece for a wealthy aristocrat, Josep Batlló, around the year 1904.  He used his wide variety of colors and numerous light sources to make the home’s overall atmosphere light-hearted and joyful.  The residents of this home were able to enjoy its spacious ground floor, four additional floors, loft, and terrace.  Gaudí’s attention to detail, combined with his passion for art and design, was what makes this home a beloved Barcelona attraction to this day.

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