Oh so Beautiful La Catedral del Mar

37. This amazing landmark in Barcelona is one of the most special sacred buildings in our city. Built between 1329 and 138. It is an outstanding example of Catalan Gothic architecture, with a purity and unity of style that is very unusual in large medieval buildings.


Every time I walk pass by it I stare at it for  good-solid ten minutes, remembering my dear friend´s wedding Tanit and Patricio. 

The first mention of a church of Santa Maria by the sea dates from 998. The architects in charge were Berenguer de Montagut (designer of the building) and Ramon Despuig, and during the construction all the guilds of the Ribera quarter were involved. In 1379 there was a fire that damaged important parts of the works. Finally, on 3 November 1383 the last stone was laid and on 15 August 1384 the church was consecrated. In 1428 an earthquake caused several casualties and destroyed the rose window in the west end. The images and the Baroque altar were destroyed in a fire in 1936. 

---

Location: Plaça de Santa Maria, 1,Barcelona
Telf: 933 10 23 90
http://www.santamariadelmarbarcelona.org/home