The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi is one of the most interesting churches in Barcelona and is considered to be the cheesiest example of Gothic architecture. The church stands in the famous Gothic Quarter, the old centre of Barcelona.

The name of the church commemorates a supposed miracle when an image of the Virgin Mary was discovered in the trunk of a pine tree in the square where the church stands.

History and raw appearance

The history of the church dates back to the 14th century, when a massive church in pure Catalan Gothic style began to be built on the site of a Romanesque chapel dating from 987. The latter is characterised by its eerily and monumentally austere lines, both interior and exterior.

What is particularly striking is the almost straight, massive façade, whose only ornamentation is a stained glass window and an austerely decorated portal.

Apart from the absence of distinctive decorations, the fact that the entire basilica is only one-nave contributes to the rawness of the interior, which enhances the monumental impression of the space.

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi was completed in 1391 after 55 years of construction. However, the consecration did not take place until 1453.

The octagonal bell tower

In addition to the façade, the 54-metre high, robust bell tower, built on a rectangular plan, is one of the landmarks of Barcelona's historic centre. The tower's walls are up to 3.5 metres thick.

Construction of the bell tower began in 1460 and was completed in 1497.

Octagonal bell tower

Admission and opening hours

The bell tower is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and on Sundays admission is possible only from 1:00 pm. Only the church is accessible, the bell tower cannot be climbed.

There is a fee for admission. 8 eur.

Official website: basilicadelpi.cat/schedule-and-rates