Santa Maria Del Mar is one of the most iconic structures in the city of Barcelona. This beautiful church, located in the heart of El Born neighborhood, was built in the 14th century, during a period of great prosperity for the city. But who was responsible for its construction?
The answer is not straightforward, as the building of Santa Maria Del Mar was a collective effort that involved many people from different walks of life. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players involved in this magnificent feat of architecture.
The Guilds
In medieval Barcelona, guilds were powerful associations that brought together people with similar professions and interests. They played an essential role in shaping the city’s economy and culture, and they were also responsible for many public works projects.
When it came to building Santa Maria Del Mar, several guilds joined forces to provide their expertise and resources. The most prominent among them were the guilds of sailors, carpenters, stonemasons, and blacksmiths.
The sailors’ guild was particularly important because it provided much-needed transportation for heavy materials like stone and wood from faraway places. Meanwhile, carpenters were responsible for crafting the intricate wooden roof structure that covers the nave.
Stonemasons played a crucial role in shaping every detail of the building’s exterior and interior. They carved delicate sculptures on the façade and created beautiful ribbed vaults inside.
Finally, blacksmiths were responsible for forging metal elements such as door hinges and locks that are still visible today.
Architectural Visionaries
While guilds provided much of the labor force behind Santa Maria Del Mar’s construction project, it was visionary architects who conceived its design and oversaw its execution.
One such architect was Berenguer de Montagut. He was a master builder who had previously worked on other notable buildings such as Palau de la Generalitat and the Cathedral of Valencia.
Montagut’s design for Santa Maria Del Mar was revolutionary for its time. It featured a spacious nave with no columns, which allowed natural light to filter in from all sides. This created a sense of openness and airiness that was uncommon in Gothic churches.
Another visionary architect involved in the project was Ramon Despuig. He oversaw the construction of the church’s magnificent rose window, which is still considered one of the most beautiful stained glass works in Europe.
The People
Last but not least, it’s important to remember that ordinary people played a crucial role in building Santa Maria Del Mar. They provided financial support through their donations and labor through their voluntary work.
In fact, it’s estimated that over 100,000 citizens contributed to the project in one way or another. They carried heavy loads of materials, baked bread for workers, and even dug out the foundations by hand.
Their collective effort is what made Santa Maria Del Mar possible, and it’s a testament to the power of community spirit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santa Maria Del Mar is not just a beautiful building but also a symbol of collaboration and perseverance. It took over 50 years to complete and involved countless people from different backgrounds working together towards a common goal.
When you visit this iconic church today, take a moment to appreciate all those who contributed to its creation – from guild members and architects to ordinary citizens. Their legacy lives on in every stone and beam that make up this remarkable piece of architecture.