Alicante Cathedral: A Symbol of Baroque and History

Built atop the remnants of a mosque and in Renaissance-Herrerian style, San Nicolás de Bari Cathedral in Alicante presents itself soberly on the outside and captures travelers’ attention. However, its late Gothic monastery from the 15th century, belonging to a former medieval church and connected to the temple via splendid Baroque portals, stands out with its spectacular extension. Inside this monastery, visitors can enjoy a small garden area and the impressive silence in this mysterious room, creating a harmonious contrast to the noise from the nearby streets.

History

The remains of this basilica, considered Alicante’s oldest Christian temple, rise above the larger mosque that the Muslims built during their rule over the city. In 1248, Alfonso X the Wise conquered it and removed all Islamic religious symbols. He personally ordered the rebuilding of a church on the aljamen, which he cleansed and renamed Santa María de la Asunción. Some sources say that it was his wife Violante who chose the name when she became pregnant while they were in Alicante areas.

In the 14th century, a new structure in Valencian Gothic style was built with a single tower in the facade. It is known that it also had a choir and a chapel in honor of San Blas, which has disappeared. In 1484, it experienced a terrible fire, forcing partial reconstruction thanks to the city’s zeal, as a chest containing the hosts used in the sacraments was saved from the flames. This event was referred to as the miracle of the Holy Sacrament.

In the 16th century, a chapel for the Immaculate Conception, a baptismal pool still in use and considered one of the basilica’s sculptural jewels, as well as other chapels in Vila Vella, were built.

During the Nine Years’ War in the 17th century, the basilica again suffered damage due to a French bombing, and today traces of projectiles can still be seen on some areas of the facade.

This was one of the factors that led the basilica to begin to decay, especially with the emergence of San Nicolás’ co-cathedral, which was renovated at the time. But the spirit of survival in the basilica was revived, and it managed to regain its splendor with a new tower and a Baroque facade, carried out by Juan Bautista Borja, as well as a gold-painted rococo altar.

At the beginning of the Civil War, the then Santa María church was looted, and some of its works ended up in a huge bonfire site bearing its name. It was also used as a military depot, leaving it in very poor condition again.

The final renovation took place in 1995, and in 2007 the Pope was requested to elevate it to a basilica, which is the title it now holds.

Visitor Information

Visits to this magnificent basilica can be made from Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and on Sundays from 2 PM to 7 PM. It should be noted that the last tickets are sold up to 40 minutes before closing time, so you cannot wait until the last minute.

The general price is six euros, but people over 65 pay 5 euros, and university students and students from 13 to 17 years old only 4 euros. There is also a special ticket for four euros for groups of over 20 people and three euros for school classes.

Admission is free for children under 12 years old with an adult companion, children from large families, and people with disabilities.

Walking through Santa María Basilica takes at least 40 minutes, and the ticket includes access to an audio guide in three languages: Spanish, English, and French.

You can visit the Chapter Room Museum, the choir, the Baptistery’s chapel, and the Communion Chapel, as well as the general hall in the temple.