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Basilica of St Mary of the Chorus

Spain·San Sebastián

The Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro is a Baroque Roman Catholic parish church and minor basilica located in the Old Town of San Sebastián, Spain. Completed in 1774, it is distinguished by its altarpiece-like main entrance adorned with the figure of Saint Sebastian and symbols of its basilica status.

Key Facts

  • The basilica is a Baroque Roman Catholic parish church and minor basilica.
  • Construction was completed in 1774.
  • It is situated in the Old Town (Parte Vieja) of San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain.
  • The main nave measures 48 by 33 meters and is divided into three naves and four zones.
  • The central dome reaches a height of 27 meters.
  • The main entrance features a sculpted figure of Saint Sebastian and papal symbols.
Basilica of St Mary of the Chorus
Canonical Name
Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro
Architectural Style

Baroque

Patron Saint
Century Built
18th century
Status
active

About Basilica of St Mary of the Chorus

Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro

The Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro (Basque: Koruko Andre Mariaren basilika, Spanish: Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Coro) is a significant Baroque Roman Catholic parish church and minor basilica located in the historic "Parte Vieja" (Old Town) of San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, in the Basque Country of Spain. Its construction was completed in 1774, marking it as a notable example of religious architecture from that era.

Architecture and Interior

The basilica's interior features a grand main nave measuring 48 by 33 meters. This expansive space is divided into three distinct naves and further segmented into four zones, all centered around the nave's pillars. Six prominent pillars, along with supporting walls, act as buttresses to reinforce the vaults. The octagonal pillars rise to a height of 15 meters to their capitals, supporting the structure. Dominating the interior is a central dome that reaches a height of 27 meters. The eastern end of the nave houses various functional spaces for the parish, including a daily chapel, a sacristy, and storage rooms.

Exterior Features

The basilica's exterior is characterized by its impressive main entrance, which is strategically positioned between two towers. This entrance is designed to resemble an altarpiece, prominently displaying a tortured figure of Saint Sebastian. Above this, papal symbols are integrated, serving as a testament to the church's status as a minor basilica. The building is further crowned with the shield of the city, signifying its civic importance within San Sebastián.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro?

The Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro is a Roman Catholic parish church and minor basilica. It is an example of Baroque architecture and was completed in 1774.

Where is the Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro located?

It is located in the "Parte Vieja" (Old Town) of the city of San Sebastián, in the province of Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain.

What are the dimensions of the basilica's interior?

The main nave is a large space of 48 by 33 meters, divided into three naves and four zones. The octagonal pillars reach a height of 15 meters to their capitals, and the central dome is 27 meters high.

What is notable about the exterior of the basilica?

The main entrance is designed like an altarpiece, featuring a tortured figure of Saint Sebastian and papal symbols that signify its status as a minor basilica. The city's shield crowns the building.