Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar
Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar
Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar
4.5
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
About
A jewel of the La Ribera neighborhood, this is Barcelona's last remaining Catalan Gothic-style church, with majestic naves and beautiful stained glass windows.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: 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 neighbourhood 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 • 5 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
9,527 within 3 miles
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1,607 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- ANGELO VMilan, Italy4,812 contributionsSanta Maria del MarThis church was built between 1329 and 1383, and it is an outstanding example of pure Catalan Gothic. I bought the full entrance, that gives access to the church, the crypt, the balconies and the roof, and the upper gallery. All parts were very beautiful, except the crypt, which is totally naked. From the balconies and roof there is a spectacular view over Barcelona (158 steps, no lift).Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 5 December 2023
- TheLeongOhanaUnited States7,556 contributionsAccessible ChurchThere were two admission options to see the church. The basic entry ticket was just to see the inside of the church and the crypt while the other option allowed a visitor to climb up to the rooftop. The inside of the church was a bit on the dark side even with the beautiful stained glass windows up high. It was quite impressive with the towering ceiling above. I liked the fact that most of the small side altars could be seen up close without any gates blocking access like at the Barcelona Cathedral. I recommend skipping the crypt since it was empty save for some tables and chairs. A couple of doors led to other parts of the church that seemed to be storage or an office. A small gift shop was near the admission entrance but not manned. There was minimal signage inside except for one area where a comprehensive description of the church construction was posted. We could understand many of the key descriptions without needing a translator app. We spent around 20 minutes inside for our 5 Euro admission. If you skip going inside then the outside of the church would still be good to walk around. The setting sun seemed to turn the upper portions a golden color. We also saw the Fossar de Les Moreres where the eternal flame constantly burned in memory of those Catalans who fought and died in the Spanish War of 1714.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 January 2024
- vichy573 contributionsAbsolutely my favorite cathedral in BarcelonaThis cathedral is slightly out of the way compared to the other major tourist sites, but it's so so so so worth it. Hands down, this was actually my favorite one in the city (caveat that this is if you're a fan of gothic architecture). There is a grandeur and a peacefulness that comes through with this cathedral that's incomparable to all the other ones I visited in Barcelona. Also, I loved that there is more freedom with climbing up to the terraces than I've experienced at other cathedrals - you're given instructions on where the stairs are located, but you can go at your own time and your own pace. And in my case, I actually went up more than once, the experience and view from the top was so memorable. There's a wonderful viewing platform that's been set up at the top, with views of the sea.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 27 January 2024
- SophieCoventry, United Kingdom403 contributionsStunning viewsNice church. Paid €10 each for entrance and to go to the roof, though no-one checked our ticket to go up. Separate stairs for way up and down, does require some fitness, there is a stopping point about 3/4 quarters of the way up. Stunning views of Barcelona.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 April 2024
- Vanessa J11 contributionsBeautiful cathedralI booked the tour through GetYourGuide for 10 euros. The young guide was very knowledgeable. Would not recommend for people with limited mobility - there are lots of stairs. The cathedral is beautiful and well worth a visit. Also, read Ildefonso Falcones' book "La Cathedral del Mar" for some background info.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 3 May 2024
- Steve_of_N21London, United Kingdom3,319 contributionsGood, but not stunning Catholic churchAfter Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia and the city’s towering Gothic Cathedral, this is probably Barcelona’s third most iconic church. It is tucked away in the historic district of El Born, just a few steps from Via Leietana, which separates the Gothic Quarter from El Born. Allegedly it is the only pure example remaining of the Catalan Gothic style but I will have to take the guide books word for that. What I can say is that Santa Maria del Mar (St. Mary’s of the Sea) is an imposingly place of worship. Internally there is a very impressive rose window framed by twin octagonal towers and be sure to look out for the FC Barçalona coat of arms secreted amongst the stain glass decorations. There is a fee to get inside and it is 5 Euros for the basic entry ticket to see the inside of the church and the crypt and the other includes the climb up to the rooftop. We paid for the basic and it was just about worth it.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 June 2024
- dese2Auburn, New York3,644 contributionsInteresting interior and historyThe first day we went to this church it was closed. Since it was close to our hotel we went the next day. I am so glad we got to see the interior. While the exterior is somewhat plain, to my eye, the interior is exquisite with many works of art, stained glass windows and statues. We did not do a rooftop or crypt visit. There are many chapels along the sides with some signage. Take time to explore and learn about the history of this space and really its history in the city. The Basilica web page gives some details you will want to see during your visit. The two most fascinating features for me were the statue and chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola who actually worshiped at this very church and sat in the area where the statue is now. Secondly, the Olympic stained-glass window. It is beautiful. On the outside of the church is also a monument to Barcelona citizens who died in the siege in the 1700's; Fossar de les Moreres, Barcelona. I suggest you take time to appreciate this monument to Barcelona's history.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 June 2024
- Raintree_ThailandBangkok, Thailand4,445 contributionsSoaring roof reaching for the heavens!Magnificent church, built in the 14th century. It is relatively plain on the outside and without a great deal of art on the inside, but the incredibly high vaulted ceiling and soaring columns let great deal of light in and imbue a heavenly feeling. While there is apparently a charge to enter in the daytime, we were able to enter in the early evening without payment.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 June 2024
- Carrick M39 contributionsA Hidden Gothic Gem in BarcelonaThe Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar is a must-see in Barcelona. Its Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass, and peaceful atmosphere make it a beautiful and serene visit. Located in the Born district, it’s a perfect spot for architecture lovers looking for a quieter experience.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 5 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
13,998 reviews
Excellent
9,101
Very good
4,062
Average
713
Poor
73
Terrible
49
Purnima Jain
Bengaluru, India1,466 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 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan V
16 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Grand church in scale & design. Parts are being restored but the true essence remains in its beauty. One gains a sense of reverence when entering; its beautiful stained glass, arches, high ceilings gives one (at least me) time for quiet contemplation & moments of being truly present. Worth a visit!
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sama
Terrassa, Spain53 contributions
Jul 2022
Santa Maria del Mar is a hidden gem in Barcelona. Despite not being the Cathedral or, of course, the Sagrada Familia, it's a very beautiful church with tons of history, a very good example of Catalan Gothic style.
The guided tour - in catalan, spanish or english - is very worth its price. You get to know this little piece of Barcelona's history and all its secrets, and even better, you visit the crypt and the terrace, with some of the most amazing views of the city. Our guide, Anna, was very nice and helpful, and she explained everything perfectly. Very reccomended!
The guided tour - in catalan, spanish or english - is very worth its price. You get to know this little piece of Barcelona's history and all its secrets, and even better, you visit the crypt and the terrace, with some of the most amazing views of the city. Our guide, Anna, was very nice and helpful, and she explained everything perfectly. Very reccomended!
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheLeongOhana
United States7,556 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
There were two admission options to see the church. The basic entry ticket was just to see the inside of the church and the crypt while the other option allowed a visitor to climb up to the rooftop.
The inside of the church was a bit on the dark side even with the beautiful stained glass windows up high. It was quite impressive with the towering ceiling above. I liked the fact that most of the small side altars could be seen up close without any gates blocking access like at the Barcelona Cathedral.
I recommend skipping the crypt since it was empty save for some tables and chairs. A couple of doors led to other parts of the church that seemed to be storage or an office. A small gift shop was near the admission entrance but not manned.
There was minimal signage inside except for one area where a comprehensive description of the church construction was posted. We could understand many of the key descriptions without needing a translator app.
We spent around 20 minutes inside for our 5 Euro admission.
If you skip going inside then the outside of the church would still be good to walk around. The setting sun seemed to turn the upper portions a golden color. We also saw the Fossar de Les Moreres where the eternal flame constantly burned in memory of those Catalans who fought and died in the Spanish War of 1714.
The inside of the church was a bit on the dark side even with the beautiful stained glass windows up high. It was quite impressive with the towering ceiling above. I liked the fact that most of the small side altars could be seen up close without any gates blocking access like at the Barcelona Cathedral.
I recommend skipping the crypt since it was empty save for some tables and chairs. A couple of doors led to other parts of the church that seemed to be storage or an office. A small gift shop was near the admission entrance but not manned.
There was minimal signage inside except for one area where a comprehensive description of the church construction was posted. We could understand many of the key descriptions without needing a translator app.
We spent around 20 minutes inside for our 5 Euro admission.
If you skip going inside then the outside of the church would still be good to walk around. The setting sun seemed to turn the upper portions a golden color. We also saw the Fossar de Les Moreres where the eternal flame constantly burned in memory of those Catalans who fought and died in the Spanish War of 1714.
Written 18 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryszard_Polska
Katowice, Poland2,654 contributions
Dec 2019
Our favorite church in Barcelona, probably one of the most beautiful, and there is always something interesting going on here.
This Christmas we could take part in an unusual show organized by the faithful from South America.
There were songs, dances and a great Christmas fiesta.
Majka and Ryszard from Poland
Nasz ulubiony kościół w Barcelonie, chyba jeden z najładniejszych, i zawsze się tutaj coś dzieje ciekawego.
W te Święta Bożego Narodzenia mogliśmy brać udział w niecodziennym pokazie zorganizowanym przez wiernych z Ameryki Południowej.
Były śpiewy, tańce i wspaniała fiesta bożenarodzeniowa.
Majka i Ryszard z Polski
This Christmas we could take part in an unusual show organized by the faithful from South America.
There were songs, dances and a great Christmas fiesta.
Majka and Ryszard from Poland
Nasz ulubiony kościół w Barcelonie, chyba jeden z najładniejszych, i zawsze się tutaj coś dzieje ciekawego.
W te Święta Bożego Narodzenia mogliśmy brać udział w niecodziennym pokazie zorganizowanym przez wiernych z Ameryki Południowej.
Były śpiewy, tańce i wspaniała fiesta bożenarodzeniowa.
Majka i Ryszard z Polski
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRMADA
United States3,373 contributions
Dec 2022
This basilica has a very unusual and beautiful altar. There are 8 pillars behind it. One of the things we like the most here is that the chapels are not behind bars like jail cells. This is a humble and simple church with some renovation going on at the moment. There is nothing spectacular in here, so if you are pressed for time, you can skip it. Entry is €5.00 or €10.00 depending on what you want to do. Tickets can be obtained onsite (cash or card) or online.
Written 3 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raypask
Melbourne, Australia57 contributions
Jan 2020
The huge spacious interior of the gothic Basilica and soaring interior columns creates a grand but peaceful environment. Just wandering around and resting and contemplating is so worthwhile. The tower climb is worth it for the view: narrow surrounding streets and lanes with 4.6 storey buildings, some draped with clothes drying, plants and Catalunya flags. Worth the climb.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
journeymaid48
Fairport, NY1,121 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 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Bristol, UK11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Whyvare they charging for visits when internal construction is going on. The basilica is very nice and the 6 euro entry fee would be okay if no construction was going on. It was very noisy inside with ladders banging, noisy builders shouting and work going on. Not somewhere to catch your thoughts and say prayer. Ask at the entrance if construction still ongoing and if so walk away and come back.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJJC_Family
Virginia793 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 2 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I need to know what time is Sunday Mass, and can anyone attend? Are tickets required to attend Mass?
Written 22 August 2024
Translate your question to English, please.
Written 21 February 2023
Ciao :) L’ingresso è a pagamento? Grazie!
Written 5 June 2022
Ciao, ho letto che per entrare in Basilica bisogna pagare un biglietto? Quanto costa? Ci Sn cripte? Grazie a tutti
Written 31 May 2020
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.
Written 9 June 2020
Climber42216815869
Porto Alegre, RS
Horários das missas na TV na cidade de Barcelona. Obrigado
Written 25 March 2020
Hasta donde recuerdo, los sábados no ví programadas misas
Written 23 September 2019
My kid is 2 years, do I need to buy ticket for her?
Written 28 May 2019
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.
Written 28 May 2019
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!
Written 4 May 2019
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.
Written 11 May 2019
Hola me gustaría saber si la entrada a la basílica del mar es gratis o se debe pagar?
Written 2 April 2019
Riosta Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Buenos días.
La visita cultural (acceso al interior y espacios privados como la cripta, tribunas y zona museizada así 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.
Written 8 April 2019
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