Santa Maria del Pi, Barcelona facts for kids
Santa Maria del Pi is a beautiful old church in Barcelona, Spain. Its name means "St. Mary of the Pine Tree." This church was built in the 1400s, making it a 15th-century building. It is a great example of Gothic architecture, which was a popular style for churches long ago. You can find it in the historic Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) of Barcelona, right on the Plaça del Pi.
Contents
History of Santa Maria del Pi
Early Beginnings and Construction
Long ago, in the year 987, there was a small church outside Barcelona's city walls. This early church was built in the Romanesque style. It was dedicated to the Blessed Lady of the Pine Tree. The current church, which is much larger, was likely built between 1319 and 1391. It officially opened its doors on June 17, 1453. The church was designed in the Catalan Gothic style. This means it has a single main area, called a nave, with very little extra decoration.
Building the Bell Tower
In 1379, King Peter the Ceremonious gave money to start building the church's bell tower. The work on the tower continued for many years. It was finally finished between 1460 and 1497. A skilled architect named Bartomeu Mas led the construction during this time. He also built the Chapel de la Sang in 1486.
Challenges and Repairs
The church has faced several challenges over the centuries. In 1428, a big earthquake in Catalonia caused serious damage to the building. Later, in 1714, during the War of the Spanish Succession, the church was hit by bombings. An explosion from a nearby ammunition dump also caused parts of the church to collapse. The main altar and many decorations were destroyed. However, statues of the Virgin Mary and other figures were saved. The church's stained glass windows were also broken.
Repairs began in 1717. A major restoration project took place from 1863 to 1884. During this time, the roofs of the chapels and the front and back walls were fixed. Any older Baroque decorations were also removed. The church was restored again around 1915.
Fire and Modern Restoration
In 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, a fire badly damaged the church. It was deliberately set by anarchists. After the war ended, the church was carefully restored to its former glory.
Exploring the Facades
Front Facade Features
The front of the church has a very large, round window called a rose window. The one you see today was rebuilt in 1940. It is a perfect copy of the original window, which was destroyed in the 1936 fire. Below this window is the main entrance, which has a beautiful Gothic arch.
The area above the main entrance, called the tympanum, has three arched sections. In the middle section, there is a statue of the Virgin and Child. Above this statue, you can see the coats of arms of both the city and the church.
Side and Rear Facades
The side of the church has strong supports called buttresses. These help hold up the heavy arches and ceiling inside. Between each pair of buttresses, there is a tall, narrow window called a lancet window. In the middle of this side, you'll find the Door of Avemaria.
The back of the church also has buttresses and lancet windows. These windows let light into the semi-circular area called the apse. At the very back of the apse, there is an old door from 1578. This door used to be another way to enter the church. Over time, other buildings have been built close to the church, hiding some of its old walls.
The Tall Bell Tower
The church's bell tower is shaped like an octagon. It stands very tall, reaching 54 meters (about 177 feet) high. The walls at the bottom of the tower are very thick, about 3.55 meters (11.6 feet) wide!
The tower holds a set of six bells. The largest bell is named "Antònia." It is 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) across and weighs a huge 1,806 kilograms (almost 4,000 pounds). As mentioned, construction on this impressive tower began in 1460 and was finished in 1497.
Inside the Church
The inside of the church has one long main area called a nave. This nave is divided into seven rectangular sections. Each section has a vaulted ceiling. Along the sides of the nave, between the main support pillars, are smaller side-chapels. The nave is 54 meters (177 feet) long, 16.5 meters (54 feet) wide, and 12.2 meters (40 feet) high.
Altar and Statues
The fire in 1936 caused a lot of damage inside. It destroyed the main altar, the altarpiece (a decorated screen behind the altar), statues, and the choir stalls. The organ, built in 1808, was also lost.
The current main altar is made of alabaster, a beautiful stone. It was created by Joaquim de Ros i de Ramis and installed in 1967. In the area near the altar, called the presbytery, there is a large statue of Santa Maria del Pi. This statue is 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) tall and was made in 1973 by sculptor Enric Monjo.
Choir Stalls and Stained Glass
The original choir stalls, where the choir sits, were from 1771. They were replaced in 1868 with new ones, but these were destroyed in the 1936 fire. In 1986, the older Baroque-style stalls were brought back and re-installed.
Sadly, none of the church's original stained-glass windows survived. The oldest windows you see today are from 1718. One famous window shows the Adoration of the Magi (the wise men visiting baby Jesus). It is located above the Door of Avemaria and was created by the artist Antoni Viladomat.
Notable Burials
Saint Evan Duvall, who became a saint in 1909, served as a priest in this church from 1687 to 1702. He is buried inside the church, in the Chapel of the Virgin Mary of Montserrat.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María del Pino para niños
