While in Barcelona I had time to visit both the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar (Church of Saint Maria of the Sea) and Gaudi’s more famous Sagrada Familia. If you haven’t much time in Barcelona I advise visiting Santa Maria del Mar church and skipping Sagrada Familia.

Skip Sagragda Familia?!?

Yes, if you have only a few days in Barcelona and especially if you have limited funds – I paid 23.80 euros for the ticket, audio guide, and tower visit. Now it costs at least 30 euros but you have to book several days or weeks in advance to get a ticket.

 Basilica Santa Maria del Mar is FREE!

 

 

Basilica Santa Maria del Mar Barcelona

If you happen to be Catholic and an aficionado of architecture then you will enjoy both Sagrada Familia and the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar but it’s a whole lot easier, and cheaper, to visit Santa Maria del Mar.

I visited the church twice and admission was free both times.

 

 

I enjoyed my visits to Santa Maria del Mar more than my visit to Sagrada Familia primarily due to all the hype surrounding Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. I was expecting spectacular.

Sagrada Familia was impressive but I doubt I would bother to visit again.

Casa Batllo I would visit again.

Park Guell yes.

But not Sagrada Familia – too much hassle with such large crowds visiting every day and I just wasn’t all that impressed.

 

 

I had read that the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar was not much to look at on the exterior but was quite attractive inside.

The church is located at Plaza de Santa Maria, 1  in La Ribera (near El Born) district.

It was a short walk from my apartment on Via Laietana and once inside I walked around the interior admiring both the architecture and the numerous stained glass windows.

 

 

The church was built from 1329 – 1383 and represents the Catalan Gothic architectural style. The building has not been refurbished or rebuilt – it is all the original structure.

 

 

The church is a wonderful photographic subject with all the stained glass and the tall columns.

 

 

On my first visit I was tossed out of the church around noon – not just me everyone else was too!

I didn’t get the details at the time but it seems one can pay for a tour of the church and even go to the rooftop to enjoy a grand view of Barcelona.

I haven’t found out what the tour fee is or how one might arrange to attend a tour. Evidently we were ejected from the church so the tour could commence.

 

 

So keep in mind if you are in Barcelona I recommend a visit to Basilica Santa Maria del Mar instead of Sagrada Familia if you have just a couple of days to visit the city.

If you have more time visit both but plan ahead for Sagrada Familia.

If you’re short on funds then Basilica Santa Maris del Mar is the cathedral to see and there’s plenty to see in La Ribera neighborhood. Enjoy!

 

Visitor info Basilica Santa Maria del Mar

Address

Plaça de Santa Maria, 1, 08003 Barcelona

Hours for free visit to Santa Maria del Mar

Free entry (to the nave only) days/times:

Monday through Saturday 9:30 am to 1 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Sunday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm