After visiting the renowned Barcelona Cathedral and the mountain ranges of Montserrat National Park, you might find yourself wondering what other attractions await in northern Spain.

What many tourists don't know is that Barcelona also boasts another medieval church, the Basilica De Santa Maria Del Mar, which you can visit free of charge at certain times of the day.

I'm not sure if I love this place as much as other areas in the region, but it easily fits into any itinerary in Barcelona, and the architecture remains truly impressive.

Santa Maria del Mar – Facts and History

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is a 14th-century Gothic Catholic church in Barcelona. It was built by the Kingdom of Aragon between 1329 and 1383.

Over the years, the building has suffered damage from fires, earthquakes, and wars, but ongoing restoration work has kept its grandeur intact.

Visiting Santa Maria del Mar

It's worth taking a walk around the exterior of the church before entering, although admittedly, it can be challenging to photograph due to the surrounding buildings and narrow streets.

The good news is that the interior is even better than the exterior. The Gothic ceiling and pillars are massive, and when you first walk in and look up, you'll feel small.

Of course, you'll also see the ornate chandeliers and stained glass windows common in such cathedrals.

Inside Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral, Barcelona, Spain

Compared to Barcelona Cathedral, I think the lighting inside this cathedral is better, making it easier to see what you're looking at (and easier to take photos).

Speaking of photos, there are no restrictions on taking them inside. Guided tours, including visits to the rooftop, are also available, offering a 360-degree view of the city.

I would allocate about 45-60 minutes to visit Santa Maria del Mar, but you can stay longer, especially if you want to explore the rooftop.

The interior ceiling of Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral, Barcelona, Spain

Entrance Fees

Entry is free before 1:00 PM or after 5:00 PM; otherwise, the entrance fee is €5.

The cost for a guided tour to the rooftop is €8.50.

How to Get to Santa Maria del Mar

The church is located in the Ribera/El Born district of Barcelona, Spain.

You can get there by train or taxi, or you can walk from some nearby hotels.

I stayed at a guesthouse in the Gothic Quarter, which was a 5-minute walk to either this church or Barcelona Cathedral.

Where I Stayed

I stayed in a private room at Barcelona Gothic Hostel for $54 per night. This hostel is located in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, just a short walk from the cathedral, restaurants, the beach, and Plaza Catalunya.

The famous Barcelona Cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar are just a 5-minute walk from the hostel! Barcelona isn't the cheapest city to travel to, so I think you'll find this hotel to be one of the best value-for-money options in the area.

Prices may fluctuate occasionally, so keep an eye out for deals.