For those who enjoy traveling to experience history in addition to culture, natural and architectural beauty, night life, shopping, and the like, there are few places that compare to Alicante, Spain.
Over the course of its beleaguered history it has been conquered and reconquered, it has been a center for Mediterranean trade; it has been a safe-haven for moors and a battleground for raiding pirates. Nowhere else can the city’s past be seen like at the Basilica Santa María. The basilica has been in operation since the 13th century and stands as the oldest operational church in the area.
After arriving, follow the signs out of the terminal to the Avis car hire branch in Alicante airport. Renting a hire car is the easiest way of getting around the city. As you travel to your hotel you’ll notice Mount Benacantil, ever-present, synonymous with Alicante. After checking in, Alicante will beckon you to explore its streets, shops, and history - much of which can be found near Benacantil.
Seated at the base of Mount Benacantil, in the elegant and bustling Plaza Santa Maria, the Basilica Santa María basks in the Mediterranean sun and drinks in the sea air. The basilica, which was built over the ruins of a mosque lost to King Alfonso X’s conquest of 1246, stands as a quilt made of architectural patches. A careful observer will notice the distinct asymmetrical towers that flank the main doorway. The first, built in the 14th century and the second built in the 18th. Its Gothic architecture is juxtaposed by the ornate display of baroque sculpture surrounding the main entrance, haloed by a magnificent sculpture of the Virgin Mary by the sculptor Juan Bautista Borja. The façade is in the Gothic style, and encompasses all that it implies; flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and pointed arches. Its design intentionally lends itself to inspiration.
You’ll enter the Basilica into a non-cruciform nave, the exciting interior architecture and embellishments in the 15th century late baroque style submerges its visitors. Having been rebuilt following a devastating fire the interior continues the patchwork theme. The interior is rich with gold leaf and ornate statuettes. In this late baroque, Rococo, style the artists have taken a more jocular and florid approach to art and architecture in response to the rigidity of the early baroque style. These later 18th century additions include chapels and a large baptismal font. The music lovers and engineers will appreciate the Valencian Baroque organ from 1653.
The basilica is an exquisite collage of artistic and architectural history and for the historian and non-historian it is worth a visit. It is an stunning and moving sight.
Address: Plaza Santa María
Hours are Monday to Sunday: 10.30am - 12pm / 6pm - 7.30pm.
Phone number: (+34) 965212662
This post was supported by Avis Rent a Car.
1 comment in this article
June 10, 2013 pm30 22:18
Absolutely stunning architecture. The colors are so incredibly vibrant as well!
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