SPAIN ~ Santa Maria del Mar Basilica - Barcelona ~

... Beautiful view of the icon of Catalan Gothic... the finest Gothic church in the heart of Barcelona.... important for its architectural harmony and simplicity... the façade and interior having undergone only minor alterations since the original design... a "must see" for anyone interested in history or architecture... it has lovely detailed stain glass, magical interiors and alcoves with beautiful statues... many people look for the church based on the bestselling novel “la catedral del mar” (Cathedral of the Sea) by Ildefonso Falcones... set in 14thC Barcelona at the height of the Inquisition, with the construction of Santa Maria del Mar serving as background to the story...  with lovely matching stamp👍!! Thanks a lot Josep & Assumpta !! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Santa Maria del Mar meaning Saint Mary of the Sea is a Gothic church which is is located in the neighbourhood known as El Born not far from the Gothic Quarter and the seafront. This Basilica was built during the 14thC on a site which was once occupied by a Roman Amphitheatre.

This Basilica took 54 years to build and is a rare example of pure Catalan Gothic architecture (most churches and cathedrals are a combination of styles).

The basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, which was designed by Berenguer de Montagut, was the place of worship for the shipwrights and merchants of Gothic Barcelona.


©Photo: Pere Vivas

Stamps:

EUROPA Stamps - Palaces and Castles
(Issued 21-04-2017)

Sightseeings
(Issued 09-11-1983)