Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi

Updated Aug 31 2023

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi, or as it is known in Spanish Santa Maria del Pino, is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Barcelona with plenty of history and culture, the Gothic Quarter. The basilica is surrounded by two beautiful squares, Plaça del Pi and Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol, as well as a third smaller square, Placeta del Pi. Its facade is somewhat hidden away in between the narrow streets of the area, but its beautiful bell tower can be seen from various parts of the city, including from the famous Rambla de Barcelona.

A brief history of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi

Although there is no concluding documentation, there are several indications that the Santa Maria del Pi church originated in 5th century AD when a small church was built on the same site. After the huge economic success experienced by the Crown of Aragon during the 13th and 14th centuries, the most important churches of the city were renovated. Between 1318 and 1320, construction began on the current Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi. However, due to several misfortunes, including the plague that blighted the city, it was not until the 14th century that they finally finished building the church. Since then the church has had some additions and improvements made including the bell tower.

facade Santa Maria del Pi

Key role in historical events

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi has played a key role in many historical events, in particular the War of Succession where the site suffered in 1714 and during the Spanish Civil War.

Visit inside Santa Maria del Pi

You have to pay to enter the museum spaces of the basilica (Bell Tower, Treasury, Museum, Crypt and Garden). The price varies depending on if you choose a general visit or a guided visit, as well as the content of the spaces you visit.

views from Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi

General visit / Guided Visit (including up the bell tower)

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English language English tour

Barcelona Turisme

General visit

Price: €4.
Reduced: €3 7 to 16 years, over 65s and retirees, student card holders and groups (over 20 people).
Families: €12 (with 2 or more children).
Free: children under 6, unemployed and disabled.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00.
* There is the option to rent an audio guide.

Guided visit + Bell Tower

Catalan
Spanish / English
Price: €8.50€.

Free outside of visiting hours

During certain hours (10:00 to 18:00) you have to pay to visit the museum spaces. Outside of these hours (Sunday morning and Monday to Sunday at the end of visiting hours until the basilica closes) you can visit inside the church for free but you cannot access the museum spaces as they will be closed.

Features of the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi

The church commonly known as Església del Pi (church of pine tree) is several centuries old and has many features, both historical and architectural, that make it unique to other Gothic churches in Barcelona.

The Facade

The most incredible view is of the enormous rose window that tops the main façade and can be seen from Plaça del Pi. We recommend you to not only take a look at the main facade but also to go around the other sides of the church to Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol and Placeta del Pi.


The rose window

10 metres in diameter make this rose window the biggest in Catalonia. Unfortunately, it is not the original rosette as this was destroyed after a large earthquake in the 15th century. After this misfortune, another rose window replaced it but this then fell onto Plaça del Pi at the start of the Spanish Civil War when militants burnt the church’s organ, which was just below the rose window. Currently you can see an exact copy of the last rose window made in 1950.

Rose Window Santa Maria del Pi

Although you get an impressive view of the rose window from the square, it is not until you enter the church when you can truly enjoy its intense colours. This is why we recommend you to visit the church when the sun is shining on the rose window (depending on the time of the year this is usually around midday).

The Crypt

The crypt is small and located below the main altar. It is usually closed but you can access it on one of the guided visits. Sometimes the crypt is used as a space for showing a historical exhibition on the basilica.

The treasury and museum

The treasury is in a small room where the bells of the church were originally cast. It now houses priceless Gothic and Baroque metalwork which have belonged to the church for several centuries, such as the monstrance and the Lignum Crucis, a relic from the end of the 15th century. You can also see some medieval coats of arms and two paintings “La Sagrada Familia” and “La adoración de los Reyes” (Adoration of the Kings).

Santa Maria del Pi treasure

In the adjoining room there is the museum where you can find some extra pieces and more detailed information on the church’s history.

The bell tower

The Pi Bell Tower has 6 bells and was built during the 15th century. It is one of the most spectacular features of the church. The tower is almost 55 metres tall, double the height of the church’s nave, and gives you incredible views overlooking the old part of the city which you can enjoy during a complete guided visit.

Gegants del Pi (Giants)

Els Gegants del Pi

In the church’s main entrance from Plaça del Pi, you can see “Els Gegants del Pi” in a display case, which translates as Pine Giants. These giants, whose origins trace back to the 16th century and have always been kept in this church, are a historical part of Barcelona’s traditions and are still used today in many different festivals.

Activities

The basilica hosts many different activities. One of the most popular being the live concerts where the Spanish guitar is often the main star of the show. There are also occasionally sensory tours and guided visits at night.

Photo Gallery

Map


Map of Barcelona

Dirección

plaça (square) del Pi, 7, Barcelona

Visiting hours

This information has been included above.

Entry price

This information has been included above.

How to get there

Metro: Liceu (line 3) and Catalunya (lines 1 and 3).

Bus: líneas 9, 16, 17, 22, 41, 42, 55, 141 and tourist bus.

FGC and Renfe: Catalunya.

By foot: Almost touching La Rambla, you can easily get to the church by walking and it is a short walk from Plaça Catalunya and the rest of the area.

Nearby places of interest

Plaça del Pi (square)
Plaça Sant Josep Oriol (square)
La Rambla street
La Boqueria Market
Gran Teatre del Liceu

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