Spain Exterior view of Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona
Santa Maria del Mar, ("Saint Mary of the Sea") is an imposing church in the Ribera district of Barcelona, Spain, built between 1329 and 1383 at the height of Catalonia's maritime and mercantile preeminence. It is an outstanding example of Catalan Gothic, with a purity and unity of style that is very unusual in large medieval buildings.
Photography Tips
Use natural light to your advantage, shooting during golden hour for warm tones and soft shadows. Adjust white balance to match the lighting conditions and use a low ISO to reduce noise. A narrow aperture (f/8–f/16) ensures sharpness in landscapes, while a wide aperture (f/2.8–f/5.6) works well for isolating subjects. A polarizing filter helps reduce glare and enhance colors. Keep an eye on composition by using leading lines, the rule of thirds, and foreground elements for depth. Experiment with different perspectives and be patient for the right lighting or movement to enhance your shot.
Travel Information
Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona is in the El Born district. The easiest way to reach it is by metro, taking line 4 (yellow) to Jaume I station, then walking for about five minutes. You can also take line 1 (red) to Arc de Triomf and walk for ten minutes. Several buses stop nearby, including lines V15, V17, and 120. If coming from La Rambla or the Gothic Quarter, it’s a short walk. Taxis and bikes are also convenient options in the city.
Spot Type
Outdoor
Crowd Factor
A decent amount of people
Best Timing
All timings are equally good
Sunrise & Sunset
07:10 - 18:52
| current local time: 22:38
Photo Themes
Architecture
Cathedral
Church
Vertorama
Locations
Barcelona
Santa Maria del Mar
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