Basilica of Santa María and the tower climb

What it is

The basilica of Santa María was built in Baroque style where the main mosque of the Islamic city once stood. It is the setting of the Misteri d'Elx every August. You enter by the sacristy door, in Plaza de Santa María, free of charge, from 7:30 to 12:30 and from 17:30 to 20:30.

The tower

The bell tower is a viewpoint over the rooftops and the Palm Grove: 170 steps and five exhibition rooms on the way up. It costs €2, €1 up to age 10 and is free for under-5s. Because of works on the outside of the basilica it has special hours, from 10:00 to 12:00; information and bookings on 615 337 821.

History

After Jaume I conquered the city in 1265, the mosque remained standing until 1334. On its site a first church was built, probably Gothic, in which the Misteri may first have been performed. A second, larger church, finished in 1556, collapsed in very heavy rain in 1672. The first stone of the present church was laid on 2 July 1673 and the works were not finished until 1784, directed in turn by Francesc Verde, Pere Quintana, Ferrán Fouquet and, from 1758, Marcos Evangelio. Pope Pius XII raised it to the status of minor basilica in 1951.

What to look at

The plan is a Latin cross, with a large central nave and four chapels on each side. Above the crossing rises the dome, covered on the outside with blue tiles, which forms part of the stage for the Misteri d'Elx. Outside, look at the Assumption doorway, the work of the Strasbourg sculptor Nicolás de Bussi between 1680 and 1682 and one of the most beautiful of Valencian Baroque; the doorway of San Agatángelo is also his. Inside you can see the shift of styles, from decorative Baroque to pure Neoclassical.

Practical information

The basilica is at Plaza de Santa María, 2, and the adapted access is through the sacristy door. Parish phone: 965 451 540. As it is a working church, avoid Mass times if you are going to look round. The Calahorra Tower is a minute away.