The church’s origins likely date back to the 5th century, near a Roman burial site, though the first reliable mention appears in 987. A Romanesque church once stood here before being replaced in the early 14th century by the current Gothic basilica (construction began around 1320, consecrated in 1453). Over the centuries, it expanded with a cloister, chapels, and a sacristy, becoming one of Barcelona’s main parishes, alongside the Cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar. The 16th century brought important relics and rich Renaissance decoration. During the War of Succession (1714), the church suffered heavy damage. Rebuilt and restored, it was again devastated in 1936 at the start of the Spanish Civil War, losing much of its heritage (high altar, organ, stained glass…). Thanks to long restorations it was preserved, and in 1925, it had already been granted the title of minor basilica. Today, Santa Maria del Pi remains a jewel of Catalan Gothic, renowned for its vast nave, its impressive rose window, and its treasury museum (opened in 2011), showcasing over a thousand years of history, faith, and culture in Barcelona.
Activity added by the Oxploria team
