Basilica of St Mary of the Pine

The Basilica of St Mary of the Pine, known in Catalan as Santa Maria del Pi, is a notable 15th-century Gothic church located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Situated in the Barri Gòtic district on the Plaça del Pi, it is a significant example of Catalan Gothic architecture, characterized by its single, vast nave and a deliberate lack of excessive ornamentation.

History and Resilience

While a smaller Romanesque church dedicated to the Blessed Lady of the Pine Tree existed on the site by 987, the current structure's construction is believed to have occurred between 1319 and 1391, with its consecration taking place on June 17, 1453. The basilica's history is marked by significant challenges. It suffered damage from a major earthquake in Catalonia in 1428, which particularly affected its façade. Later, during the War of the Spanish Succession, bombings in 1714 caused the collapse of the presbytery and destroyed the main altarpiece. A deliberate fire set by anarchists in 1936 gutted the church, destroying much of its interior.

Architectural Features

The church's design emphasizes the Catalan Gothic style, featuring a single nave composed of seven rectangular sections covered by a vaulted ceiling, with side chapels nestled between supporting pillars. The dimensions of the nave are impressive, measuring 54 meters in length, 16.5 meters in width, and 12.2 meters in height. The front façade is distinguished by a large rose window, a faithful 1940 reproduction of the original lost in the 1936 fire. The side façade showcases prominent buttresses supporting the nave's structure, with lancet windows between them, and features the Door of Avemaria. The rear façade also incorporates buttresses and lancet windows illuminating the semi-circular apse, with an ancient door from 1578 providing rear access.

Bell Tower and Interior Restoration

The octagonal bell tower, a prominent landmark, rises 54 meters and was constructed between 1460 and 1497 under the direction of Bartomeu Mas. It houses a peal of six bells, with the largest, 'Antònia,' weighing 1,806 kilograms. The interior has undergone extensive restoration. The fire of 1936 obliterated the high altar, altarpiece, choir stalls, and organ. Current interior elements include an alabaster high altar installed in 1967, a statue of Santa Maria del Pi created in 1973, and re-instated Baroque choir stalls from 1771. The oldest surviving stained-glass windows date from 1718, including one depicting the Adoration of the Magi by Antoni Viladomat.

Notable Burials

Saint Evan Duvall, who served as priest at the parish between 1687 and 1702 and was canonized in 1909, is buried within the church in the Chapel of the Virgin Mary of Montserrat.