Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi (Basilica of St. Mary of the Pine), Barcelona

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Pine, a quintessential 15th-century Gothic church in Barcelona, has weathered the passage of time, surviving natural disasters, wars, and deliberate destruction.

Initially documented in 987 as a small Romanesque church, it was dedicated to the Blessed Lady of the Pine Tree, which is one of the titles of the Virgin Mary. Others say that the church's name also derives from the solitary pine tree that once stood in the marshy lowland beyond the 4th-century Roman walls. The present church was constructed between 1319 and 1391 and was consecrated in 1453. Its design is noted for its Catalan Gothic style characterized by a stark, ornament-free single nave. The bell tower, initiated by Peter the Ceremonious, King of Aragon, in 1379, was completed almost 120 years later.

The catastrophic earthquake of 1428 and the early 18th-century bombings during the War of the Spanish Succession caused extensive damage to the church's facade, presbytery, main altarpiece, and stained glass windows. Restoration efforts, begun in 1717 and continued up until 1915, resulted in the removal of many Baroque decorations.

Another devastating event occurred in 1936 when anarchists set the church ablaze, seeking to destroy it. However, the church was meticulously restored after the Civil War. The restoration included the Gothic arch marking the main entrance and the large front façade rose window, destroyed by fire and replaced by a replica in 1940. The side façade displays prominent buttresses and lancet windows, while the rear façade continues this theme and includes an ancient door from 1578. The oldest surviving windows in the church date back to 1718.

Internally, the church's nave extends 54 meters in length and is defined by vaulted ceilings and side chapels. Upon entering, two interesting features await – the original wooden choir loft and the painting of "Our Lady of the Helpless" by the 18th-century Spanish artist Ramón Amadeu. The latter is said to have used his wife and children as models for the Virgin and children in the painting.

Presently, the church frequently hosts classical guitar concerts by renowned soloists. Guided tours of the basilica and the bell tower are available in English, with prior reservation.

Tip:
If you visit early or late, admission to the church is free (otherwise, there is a nominal fee). For a few extra euros, you can ascend the bell tower and enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city. However, do take note of the timing, as the tower closes after dusk.