One of the nice benefits of staying in the Barri Gòtic (the Gothic Quarter) is the easy walking access to so many interesting antiquities. One of those, the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar, is on the way back from the Picasso museum to our hotel. It was Sunday morning, and there were services being held, but visitors were allowed in in limited ways.

Santa Maria Del Mar was built in the 1300s, largely funded by rich shipping and marine operators in the classic Catalan Gothic style. The columns of the basilica, which resemble trees, are considered to be Gaudi’s inspiration for the Sagrada Famìlia. The church interior is largely unadorned. During the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s, fires destroyed much of the interior adornments. The space itself is airy and very beautiful.

See for yourself.