Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Pontevedra) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Basílica de Santa María la Mayor
The Western façade of the basilica.
Religion
Affiliation	Catholic
Location
Location	Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain
Architecture
Architectural type	Basilica
Architectural style	Gothic, Renaissance
Completed	1559
Direction of façade	West
Spanish Property of Cultural Interest
Official name: Basílica de Santa María la Mayor
Designated	3 June 1931
(R.I.) - 51 - 0000828 - 00000

The Basilica of Saint Mary Major (or Santa María la Mayor in Spanish) is a beautiful Catholic church in Pontevedra, Spain. It was built in the 16th century. In 1962, Pope John XXIII officially made it a basilica. This special building is also known as a "Good of Cultural Interest" in Spain. It has been recognized as a historic monument since 1931.

History of the Basilica
What the Basilica Looks Like
- Outside the Basilica
- Inside the Basilica
Gallery
See also

History of the Basilica

The Basilica of Santa Maria is considered the most important church in Pontevedra. It works almost like a cathedral for the city. You can find it in the old part of Pontevedra, in Alonso de Fonseca square.

This grand church stands where a smaller, older Romanesque church once was. That older church was taken down in the 15th century. The new basilica was built by the Guild of Seamen. This was a very old group of sailors and fishermen in Pontevedra. It was actually the oldest sea guild in all of Spain!

Many skilled builders and artists worked on the basilica. These included Juan de los Cuetos and Diego Gil. Other important people involved were Cornielis de Holanda and Juan Noble.

What the Basilica Looks Like

The Basilica of Saint Mary Major is built in the Gothic style. It also has some influences from the Portuguese Manueline style. This style is known for its detailed decorations.

Outside the Basilica

The outside of the church is very impressive. The main front, which faces west, has a wide staircase. This staircase leads up to the entrance. The front looks like a huge altarpiece, with three richly decorated sections. This detailed style is called Plateresque. It was created by Cornielles de Holanda and Juan Noble in 1541.

The main door is in the middle section. It has a rounded arch. Sculptures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul stand on either side. Above the door, you can see a relief showing the Dormition of Mary. This shows Mary falling asleep before going to heaven.

Higher up, there are decorations shaped like scallop shells. You can also see sculptures of saints, people from the Bible, and even historical figures. Above them is a large rose window. This round window lets light into the church. It is also a symbol of heaven.

The very top of the façade has a calvary scene. This shows Jesus on the cross. It also features the unique stonework of the Portuguese Manueline style. Look closely at the figures on the façade. You might spot busts of famous explorers like Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés. They are placed on the sides of the rose window.

There is also another entrance on the south side of the building. This door also has a rounded arch. The Manueline stonework continues along the top of the walls. It also decorates the apse, which is the rounded end of the church. The apse has a large, decorated window in the Manueline style.

Inside the Basilica

Inside, the church has a basilical plan. This means it has a long main area with three aisles. The central aisle mostly shows the Renaissance style. The two side aisles and the chapels have a late Gothic style.

The basilica has many different chapels. Some of these include the larger main chapel and the Chapel of Christ. There are also the Chapel of the Angustias, the Chapel of the Purísima, and the Chapel of the Trinity. Another important area is the altar of the Sorrowful Virgin.