Church of Santa Maria (Iglesia de Santa Maria) description and photos - Spain: Blanes (Topic)

Church of Santa Maria (Iglesia de Santa Maria) description and photos - Spain: Blanes. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Iglesia de Santa Maria.

Photo and description

In the very center of Blanes, on Carrer Nou street, there is an old church dedicated to St. Mary. The church is part of the architectural ensemble of an ancient castle, built in the 12th century and belonging first to the family of noble aristocrats Blanes, and then to the family of the Viscounts of Cabrera. The church was added to the castle between 1350 and 1410. In 1623, the palace of the Viscounts was acquired by the merchant Estebe Aleman. During the war with France, as well as during the Spanish Civil War, the palace housed military barracks.

The Church of Santa Maria was built in the Gothic style. During the hostilities, the palace building and churches were badly damaged. The church building was also badly damaged during a fire on July 22, 1936. Only the facade, the bell tower and the sacristy survived, which have been preserved in their original form to this day. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the church's magnificent Baroque main altar, 17 additional altars and two episcopal chairs of astonishing beauty by Antoni Gaudi.

In April 1949, work began on the restoration of the building of the Church of Santa Maria. The architect Luis Bonet was the author of the project and the head of the restoration work. The church was completely restored on December 23, 1944.

The facade of the church is decorated with a portal framed by several pointed arches, and a round rosette window located above it. The interior of the church is divided into three naves. The walls of the bell tower, made in the shape of a square, are decorated with arched window openings.

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Topic: Church of Santa Maria (Iglesia de Santa Maria) description and photos - Spain: Blanes.