The Basilica of Santa Maria (Spanish name Basilica de Santa Maria), another name for St. Mary's Church is the oldest in the city, which rightly bears the title of the most important attractions of the Spanish city of Alicante. In popularity among tourists, the Basilica is also the place that the world-famous pedestrian Boulevard, the Esplanade and castle of Santa Barbara.
Basilica of St. Mary in the heart of the historic part of the city of Alicante, near the promenade and Postiguet beach, at Plaza de Santa María, s/n 03002 Alicante Spain.
Basilica of Santa Maria stands on the Plaza de Santa Maria (Plaza de Santa María). On the square is located two and a cafeteria serving soft and alcoholic drinks and snacks, you can order a hookah. The tables of the cafe place right on the square and in the evenings there is live music, entertaining thereby guests.
We lived in a guest house Milagrosa (Bed & Breakfast La Milagrosa), the outdoor terrace went directly to the area of Santa Maria, opening up stunning views of the Basilica of Santa Maria and mount Benacantil (Benacantil), on top of which stands the castle of Santa Barbara. It was very beautiful, especially at night when the castle and the Basilica are lit by floodlights.
During the day, from the Basilica hears the bells. We did not understand in what sequence they call and after a period of time or what equal them ringing. They ring every 15 minutes, then every half hour, and then the silence for several hours.
Near the Basilica, on the left side of it, the Museum of contemporary art - Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante, Maca. The exact address of the Plaza Sta. María 3 Alicante Alicante 03002.
Basilica, castle and Museum on the map
The Basilica was built in the late XIV century on the site of a large Islamic mosque, in honor of the victory over the Moors.
Currently, in the Basilica offer services and weddings.
The Basilica is a single nave Church with two chapels, buttresses, located on both sides. On the left tower has a clock. The clock to this day.
The facade of the temple is executed in Baroque style. On the Central wall of the Basilica, right above the entrance, stands out the image of the virgin Mary by the sculptor Juan Bautista Borja (Borja Juan Bautista).
The interior of the Church consists of several large halls, each of which are quite ornate. Inside is the main altar, installed in the Basilica in the eighteenth century and the organ brought from Valencia, in 1653.
To get to the Basilica it is possible, depending on the services. We, as tried and could not look at it, all the time, like it or passed by it was closed. Although Spanish sources say that the Basilica is open for visits daily from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 18:00 to 19:30 PM. The entrance is free.
Maybe you were lucky, you managed to get into the Basilica of Santa Maria? We will be glad to know your impressions from the visit of such a significant object of history and architecture.
