SANTA MARIA DEL MAR, Presentation
- Audio File length: 2.27
- Author: STEFANO ZUFFI E DAVIDE TORTORELLA
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Language: English / USA
Hi, I'm James, your personal guide. Together with MyWoWo, I'd like to welcome you to one of the wonders of the world.
Today I'll accompany you through the Esglèsia de Santa Maria del Mar.
Santa Maria del Mar is one of the most loved churches of the inhabitants of Barcelona!
This 14th century church, which is also one of the most beautiful Catalan Gothic style churches, contends for the affection of both locals and tourists along with the Cathedral and Sagrada Familia.
Can you imagine, it was built in just over 50 years, a record time for those years! From its beginning it was a building "of the people": once a week, the bastaixos (the "unloaders") would carry the stones needed for its construction that had been taken from the royal quarries of Montjuïc on their backs. The main doors have reliefs that show the work of these men.
The majestic façade overlooking Plaça de Santa Maria del Mar encompasses all the austerity of the Catalan Gothic style. As you can see, the portal is set back, and the top is dominated by a rose window and closed on the sides by two octagonal towers....