BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar
BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona
BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar
BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar
4.5
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
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9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
About
The Gothic Church, built in the 14th century, is located in the quarter of La Ribera.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: El Born / La Ribera
The labyrinth that is El Born becomes most apparent the moment you turn down one of its side streets. But this is one of the few labyrinths you might actually enjoy losing your way in. After all, there are few places that live and breathe such exciting energy regardless of the time of day. This neighborhood seamlessly transcends the old and new parts of the city, reflected in its vast array of restaurants ranging from fancy Michelin-star establishments to trendy fusion restaurants. Here you'll find historical and cultural attractions such as the popular Picasso Museum and the Gothic cathedral La Santa Maria del Mar, where you just might be able to catch a traditional Catalan wedding.
How to get there
- Jaume I • 4 min walk
- Barceloneta • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,441 within 3 miles

Cremat 11
487
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • International • European • Vegetarian Friendly

Pizzeria Da Nanni Barcelona
1,978
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Pizza • Fast Food

Gallo Nero
400
0.2 mi$ • Pub • Wine Bar • Street Food

Pura Vida Cocktails
768
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Narciso
300
0.1 mi$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European

The Box
1,087
0.2 mi$ • Mexican • Latin • Bar

El Salon
805
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish

PastelerÃa Hofmann
599
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Cafe

Tucco Real Food Born
1,445
432 ft$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European

Pizza Pazza
659
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Pizza • European
Attractions
1,323 within 6 miles

Carrer De Les Caputxes
1
83 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Bcn Art Design
6
118 ftArt Galleries
Ataronxia
129 ftDistilleries
Ona Nova By Richard Guiri
170 ftShopping Malls

El Fossar de les Moreres
59
173 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Josep Grau Viticultor Marca
1
183 ftWineries & Vineyards

Palau Dalmases
888
420 ftOperas • Castles

MEAM Museu Europeu d'Art Modern
392
0.1 miSpeciality Museums

Barri de La Ribera
106
0.1 miNeighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Casa Llotja de Mar
44
436 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
13,843 reviews
Excellent
9,015
Very good
4,008
Average
706
Poor
70
Terrible
45
Kelleygirl2
Sarasota, FL6,483 contributions
Nov 2019
We crossed La Rambla and walked to the Catalan Gothic Santa Maria Del Mar or Cathedral of the Sea, located steps away from the apartment we were to occupy the next morning. This enormous stone church dates back to around 1329 and was considered the church of the poor fisherman (bastaixos) who hand carried large stones used for its construction. This church was truly built by the people and completed in just 55 years, amazing since most churches of this size and time took more than 100 years to complete. There are reliefs honoring the hard working, devout bastaixos on the main doors to the church. Their story of devotion and hardship is told in the novel Cathedral of the Sea, which is also a movie on Netflix. Although once considered a humble church for the poor, it is now considered a church of the elite. It is free after 5 pm.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
journeymaid48
Fairport, NY966 contributions
Jul 2021
Absolutely amazing! This is a must see for history fans. The story of the building of Santa Maria del Mar was carrying stones from the mountain to the ship on their necks and backs out of duty to God. The vastness of the Basilica and numerous side chapels as well as the ceiling and high altar is a testament to faith in the 14th century. This was a highlight of our trip in Barcelona.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michał D
Reda, Poland37 contributions
May 2022
Inside of this catedral is not so reach as Familia Sagrada but it was build by poor families of Barcelona may centuries ago. If you are not afraid you should climb one of the tower of this church from which you will have great view over the whole city of Barcelona. Michał Dmochowski
Written May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JJJC_Family
Virginia504 contributions
Nov 2021
A somewhat spare, but still reasonably grand church. Getting there at night was a mistake, as it was pretty dark inside and made it harder to distinguish features that might be of interest when they could be better seen. Plus we were very tired when we got there and unless it was going to be really special, we had little desire to extend our stay. So we took a quick look and we were gone. I know the first time we went, during daylight, we liked it better. Although, even then it was not spectacular. If you are close by and you have the time, sure, go see it. If not, you won’t be regretting it for the rest of your life.
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Purnima Jain
Bengaluru, India1,247 contributions
Oct 2019
It's free to enter the church. The outside of the Basilica is misleading as inside one discovers a marvel of gothic architecture , with high ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows.
Located in the Jewish Quarter area, it's free to enter the church. To do the Towers + rooftop visit you need guided tours which start at 2 PM.
The outside of the Basilica is misleading as inside one discovers a marvel of gothic architecture, with high ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. The ceilings tower above you once inside and the stained-glass windows are incredible.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am to 1:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:30pm; Sunday: 10:00am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Metro Underground: L3 Jaume I or L4 Barceloneta.
A gothic church and not as lavish as Barcelona Cathedral but still worth doing if you have time, but will not prioritize it over Barcelona Cathedral which is simply splendid.
For a more detailed itinerary and reviews feel free to visit my page mentioned on my profile.
Located in the Jewish Quarter area, it's free to enter the church. To do the Towers + rooftop visit you need guided tours which start at 2 PM.
The outside of the Basilica is misleading as inside one discovers a marvel of gothic architecture, with high ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. The ceilings tower above you once inside and the stained-glass windows are incredible.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am to 1:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:30pm; Sunday: 10:00am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Metro Underground: L3 Jaume I or L4 Barceloneta.
A gothic church and not as lavish as Barcelona Cathedral but still worth doing if you have time, but will not prioritize it over Barcelona Cathedral which is simply splendid.
For a more detailed itinerary and reviews feel free to visit my page mentioned on my profile.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nicole C
Toms River, NJ52 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
This was very close to our hotel in the gothic quarter and we enjoyed walking up every morning and seeing the sun come up over the Cathedral. Really nice area and plaza. At night there is a lot of bands and dancers that perform in the square.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jill E
Oldham, UK333 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Skip the line booking was an excellent service we gained access to the building quite quickly and we were not disappointed what an absolute magnificent building in the centre of Barcelona. The exterior was impressive and the interior was so beautiful. A small gift shop inside closes at 6pm.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MadDogTV
London, UK78 contributions
Nov 2021
Santa Maria del Mar is a beautiful old church in the heart of el Born. It has the appearance of a cathedral, in size and majesty, but it's a humble church, paid for originally by ordinary people. The interior is fairly simple and austere in comparison to the nearby cathedral, but some of the decor was destroyed in rioting and a fire during the civil war. This is a very good example of Gothic architecture. I particularly like the stained glass windows and skull and crossbones tombs (I assume) set into the floor. It's a very good place to sit quietly and contemplate life.
Written November 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ron T
Greenville, SC3,430 contributions
Sep 2021
Visited here also back in JUL 2018. Currently there is scaffolding up inside on right side - looks like roof repairs. Got here early evening, so a bit dark inside. Frankly, it is not a "must see" basilica.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sam Skariah
Allentown, PA10 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
This is located in the very nice el born neighborhood. Awesome alleyways to walk past and a lot of shopping around this site. The basilica itself is an amazing masterpiece. Beautiful gothic architecture with beautiful stained windows and high ceilings. It’s free to enter and defintely worth a visit as you walk through the gothic quarter and el born parts of Barcelona.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tina A
Bari, Italy286 contributions
Ciao, ho letto che per entrare in Basilica bisogna pagare un biglietto? Quanto costa? Ci Sn cripte? Grazie a tutti
sabrina
Albairate, Italy726 contributions
Ciao, in realtà era gratuita ci sono andata spesso perché è la mia preferita, a capodanno ho trovato l ingresso a pagamento. Pochi euro. Credo non sia sempre così.
Climber42216815869
Porto Alegre, RS
Horários das missas na TV na cidade de Barcelona. Obrigado
Rosario V
Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Horario de misas el sábado
Sensei hugo
89 contributions
Hasta donde recuerdo, los sábados no và programadas misas
GauravCh14
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates17 contributions
My kid is 2 years, do I need to buy ticket for her?
farthews
west yorkshire322 contributions
No you don’t need to pay for a 2 year old.
In fact when my husband and I visited along with our two granddaughters ages 20 and 18, there was no charge.
However, we did leave a donation.
What time Sunday morning is Mass here? I want to attend. Will they turn me away if I am unable to speak Spanish? I wasn't able to find out elsewhere as the website and email don't appear to be monitored. The only time I saw listed was 7:30pm or 12am (midnight). Is there a Sunday morning mass? I am hoping to attend for tomorrow so this is urgent!
ClaireIndia
Barcelona, Spain13 contributions
I hope you made it! For anyone else, mass is held at 12 noon and mainly in Catalan but also parts of it are in French, Italian, English and German. My favourite part is when everyone recites the Lord's Prayer in their own language.
Rikikuki LEEF
Tegucigalpa, Honduras209 contributions
Hola me gustarÃa saber si la entrada a la basÃlica del mar es gratis o se debe pagar?
Riosta Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Buenos dÃas.
La visita cultural (acceso al interior y espacios privados como la cripta, tribunas y zona museizada asà como la visita a las terrazas) es de pago. El horario de culto es gratuito, por la mañana y por la tarde. Puede consultar los horarios en la página web.
Kan man komme op på taget i Santa Maria del Mar-kirken
Riosta Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
You can visit te rooftops and terraces and enjoy a wonderful views of the city from the top of the church!
Negin Anvar
St. George's, Grenada143 contributions
Thank you so much for suggesting the book "Cathedral of the Sea". I wouldn't have read it had it not been for your review. I've only just started it and am loving it so far. Wonderful read before our upcoming trip to Barcelona. Thank you again. I'm now going to go and look at your other Barcelona reviews.
Ana G
Philadelphia, MS
You will enjoy the best of Catalonia
Frequently Asked Questions about BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar
- BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- We recommend booking BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 81 BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar:
- (0.02 mi) Best House Best Place
- (0.08 mi) BCNGotic
- (0.09 mi) El Balcon del Born
- (0.06 mi) Inside Barcelona Apartments Esparteria
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Banys Orientals
- Restaurants near BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar:
- (0.00 mi) The Protein Bar
- (0.00 mi) Bombay Brasserie
- (0.00 mi) La Vinya del Senyor
- (0.01 mi) Caputxes
- (0.01 mi) Restaurante Santa MarÃa del Mar
- Attractions near BasÃlica de Santa Maria del Mar:
- (0.01 mi) Wandermoda
- (0.02 mi) Carrer De Les Caputxes
- (0.02 mi) Kitty's Barcelona
- (0.02 mi) Bcn Art Design
- (0.02 mi) Ataronxia