One of the most amazing things about Barcelona is the way that magnificent structures seemingly blend in to the city. A true testament to the fantastic city planning, sometimes it takes a helping hand to point out specific structures, despite how large they may be!

Santa María del Mar is a perfect example. Tucked back in La Ribera, this cathedral was built in the 14th Century. Built in the Catalan Gothic style, this towering church is in juxtaposition with the narrow streets surrounding it. The exterior, large and dark, give way to an expansive and light interior. The wonderful ambience of the interior has made it a very popular locale for concerts.

Santa María del Mar was built in celebration of the Catalan conquest of Sardinia. Amazingly, at the time of its construction, its name was very appropriate, as the Spanish `mar´ means `ocean.´ When constructed, Barcelona´s coastline was more inland—the Cathedral was on the ocean! However, as time passed, the coast shifted outwards, and the only reminder of this time long ago is in the church´s name.

Prior to her burial in the Cathedral of Barcelona, the patron saint of the city, Saint Eulalia was buried here, in Santa María del Mar. Legend has it that as two men were moving her casket to its new resting place, one of the men took part of her hand as a relic. The casket became unbearably heavy and they could make no further progress. Then an angel appeared to them, admonishing the man for what he had done, and instructing him to return the relic. The man obeyed, and once again they were able to carry the casket to its new place. Where the angel is said to have appeared is forever memorialized, as that place is now known as Plaza del Angel. 

 

So visit us at ComeToBarcelona and rent an apartment today, so that you may be on your way to discovering Barcelona.