Santa Maria del Mar (Saint Mary of the Sea) became a touchstone for us in 2019. The church, built between 1329 and 1383, is not far from the apartment. We walked past it on most days and it felt like it was part of our Barcelona story.
No, we're not Catholic. This is not about that. It's about feeling connected in a neighborhood in which we did not have a car, and it was part of our rhythm of daily life. It's a simple Catholic church, almost austere. The stained glass is stunning, and we loved our tour up on the roof of Santa Maria. Faithful readers know Sagrada Familia is our favorite cathedral in Barcelona. Actually, our favorite in the whole world. But Santa Maria del Mar is our local church when in Barcelona, even if we never attended a service there.
So, when we staggered out of the Picasso museum, dehydrated and over-arted, we knew we had to sit and have some water and a snack. I suggested we go to one of the cafes in the little plaza out front of the church.
(Editor's Note: "over-arted?" Really, just making up words now? Blogger, hey, it fits!)
We wound down the tight streets (many really just modestly wide walking paths) to the front of the church where we had some water and cinnamon buns. The water was nice and cold. . .Europe is getting better and better at chilling drinks/providing ice. . .whilst the cinnamon bun was underwhelming. So many good pastries in Barcelona, and we had to eat terrible pastries.
Feeling rehydrated, we popped into the church. Mass was over, so there were people wandering throughout. It's what I call a ten minute church, although we lingered longer.
My favorite item in the church is the carved wooden ship on the altar, emblematic of how important the sea was to an area of seamen and fishermen. The stained glass is compelling, but overall, the simplicity of the church is striking.
We wandered around the church, and then headed back out into the bright sunshiny day.
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