Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi (Basilica of St. Mary of the Pine), Barcelona
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Pine, a quintessential 15th-century Gothic church in Barcelona, has weathered the passage of time, surviving natural disasters, wars, and deliberate destruction.
Initially documented in 987 as a small Romanesque church, it was dedicated to the Blessed Lady of the Pine Tree, which is one of the titles of the Virgin Mary. Others say that the church's name also derives from the solitary pine tree that once stood in the marshy lowland beyond the 4th-century Roman walls. The present church was constructed between 1319 and 1391 and was consecrated in 1453. Its design is noted for its Catalan Gothic style characterized by a stark, ornament-free single nave. The bell tower, initiated by Peter the Ceremonious, King of Aragon, in 1379, was completed almost 120 years later.
The catastrophic earthquake of 1428 and the early 18th-century bombings during the War of the Spanish Succession caused extensive damage to the church's facade, presbytery, main altarpiece, and stained glass windows. Restoration efforts, begun in 1717 and continued up until 1915, resulted in the removal of many Baroque decorations.
Another devastating event occurred in 1936 when anarchists set the church ablaze, seeking to destroy it. However, the church was meticulously restored after the Civil War. The restoration included the Gothic arch marking the main entrance and the large front fa莽ade rose window, destroyed by fire and replaced by a replica in 1940. The side fa莽ade displays prominent buttresses and lancet windows, while the rear fa莽ade continues this theme and includes an ancient door from 1578. The oldest surviving windows in the church date back to 1718.
Internally, the church's nave extends 54 meters in length and is defined by vaulted ceilings and side chapels. Upon entering, two interesting features await 鈥� the original wooden choir loft and the painting of "Our Lady of the Helpless" by the 18th-century Spanish artist Ram贸n Amadeu. The latter is said to have used his wife and children as models for the Virgin and children in the painting.
Presently, the church frequently hosts classical guitar concerts by renowned soloists. Guided tours of the basilica and the bell tower are available in English, with prior reservation.
Tip:
If you visit early or late, admission to the church is free (otherwise, there is a nominal fee). For a few extra euros, you can ascend the bell tower and enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city. However, do take note of the timing, as the tower closes after dusk.
Initially documented in 987 as a small Romanesque church, it was dedicated to the Blessed Lady of the Pine Tree, which is one of the titles of the Virgin Mary. Others say that the church's name also derives from the solitary pine tree that once stood in the marshy lowland beyond the 4th-century Roman walls. The present church was constructed between 1319 and 1391 and was consecrated in 1453. Its design is noted for its Catalan Gothic style characterized by a stark, ornament-free single nave. The bell tower, initiated by Peter the Ceremonious, King of Aragon, in 1379, was completed almost 120 years later.
The catastrophic earthquake of 1428 and the early 18th-century bombings during the War of the Spanish Succession caused extensive damage to the church's facade, presbytery, main altarpiece, and stained glass windows. Restoration efforts, begun in 1717 and continued up until 1915, resulted in the removal of many Baroque decorations.
Another devastating event occurred in 1936 when anarchists set the church ablaze, seeking to destroy it. However, the church was meticulously restored after the Civil War. The restoration included the Gothic arch marking the main entrance and the large front fa莽ade rose window, destroyed by fire and replaced by a replica in 1940. The side fa莽ade displays prominent buttresses and lancet windows, while the rear fa莽ade continues this theme and includes an ancient door from 1578. The oldest surviving windows in the church date back to 1718.
Internally, the church's nave extends 54 meters in length and is defined by vaulted ceilings and side chapels. Upon entering, two interesting features await 鈥� the original wooden choir loft and the painting of "Our Lady of the Helpless" by the 18th-century Spanish artist Ram贸n Amadeu. The latter is said to have used his wife and children as models for the Virgin and children in the painting.
Presently, the church frequently hosts classical guitar concerts by renowned soloists. Guided tours of the basilica and the bell tower are available in English, with prior reservation.
Tip:
If you visit early or late, admission to the church is free (otherwise, there is a nominal fee). For a few extra euros, you can ascend the bell tower and enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city. However, do take note of the timing, as the tower closes after dusk.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Barcelona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi (Basilica of St. Mary of the Pine) on Map
Sight Name: Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi (Basilica of St. Mary of the Pine)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Antoni Gaud铆's Masterpieces Walking Tour
Antoni Gaudi, a seminal figure in the Catalan Modernism movement, is one of the top architects of the 20th century. The unique technique and use of natural forms in his works stand out from the pack and have left an indelible mark on the face of Barcelona.
Our journey through Gaudi's Barcelona begins at the G眉ell Palace, by far the most budget-friendly of his projects. Located near La... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Our journey through Gaudi's Barcelona begins at the G眉ell Palace, by far the most budget-friendly of his projects. Located near La... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
La Rambla Walking Tour
One of the main streets in central Barcelona, La Rambla is popular with tourists and locals alike. Connecting the city鈥檚 old port with Pla莽a de Catalunya, it is filled with cultural and historic landmarks, as well as many terraces, restaurants, shops and street artists. Spanish poet, Federico Garc铆a Lorca once said it was 鈥渢he only street in the world which I wish never ended.鈥�
Start... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Start... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
La Ribera Walking Tour
La Ribera is a culturally rich, historic area of Barcelona鈥檚 Old Town; somewhat less touristy than the Gothic Quarter (which one should really visit as well) and quite unspoiled, authentic and pretty. Centuries ago, it was a very well-to-do neighborhood inhabited by aristocrats, merchants, wealthy sailors, and Jewish money-lenders. Today, it is regarded as the Soho of Barcelona 鈥� a popular... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
A walk through the Gothic Quarter 鈥� Barcelona鈥檚 oldest part, dating from the Roman era 鈥� is like a journey through time. The typical Roman grid plan is still visible in the quarter's layout. Only a few roads are open for car traffic, so there is little in the way of enjoying the narrow, atmospheric streets filled with high-quality architecture, numerous boutiques, and coffee shops.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Montjuic Walking Tour
Montjuic is a hill in Barcelona which offers a variety of great attractions of historic, cultural, and architectural value. Here, you can watch a spectacular water show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, visit the place where matadors faced the bulls in the past, and explore the ancient Montjuic Castle with its breathtaking views.
A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour
No one should visit Barcelona without making an attempt to get acquainted with some of Spain鈥檚 best food 鈥� Catalan food. An abundance of fresh fish and superb meat, a plethora of great vegetables, plus local inventiveness, have produced a very diverse, distinctive and delicious cuisine, including the famous (and trendy) tapas dishes.
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Barcelona Souvenir Shopping: 17 Uniquely Spanish Things to Buy
Spain, in general, and Barcelona, in particular, are a treasure trove of all things exciting. Set your foot in Barcelona and you'll be spoiled for the choice of things worth trying and taking home. Before your head starts spinning, check this guide out to put yourself in the right...
Top 10 Spanish Foods and Drinks to Try in Barcelona
In the countries like Spain, food is a national heritage and cultural attraction in its own right. The latter is even more true of Catalonia in general and Barcelona in particular. Presented here are the 10 staples of Catalan food tradition, missing which would be a gastronomical...
10 Sightseeing Walks During Covid-19
Borders closed, flights canceled. As countries across the globe scrambling to curb the spread of coronavirus, it is nearly impossible to travel these days. For those with wanderlust at heart, living without exploring is a really tough challenge.
But even in times of hardship like this, one should...