Basilica of Santa Maria d’Igualada

The Basilica of Santa Maria d’Igualada is the most important architectural element of our cultural heritage. The history of this church, which stands in the heart of the city, is synonymous with the origins and ancient Christian roots of the people of Igualada. The building has changed over the course of the centuries, as has the city which has grown around it.

The austere walls of the church contain a single nave measuring 43.1 x 14.4 metres, with six side chapels on each side. There is a presbytery with a quadrangular floor plan in the apse and a choir at the end of the nave. The building has exterior buttresses featuring gargoyles, a rose window above the entrance and 15 large windows.

Inside, the 23.7-metre-high ceiling is divided by semicircular arches, between which there are groin vaults (also typical of the Gothic period) decorated with keystones with a diameter of over one metre, sculpted with figures. On the Gothic style star-shaped ceiling of the presbytery, the central keystone is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, while the other smaller ones are dedicated to the Four Evangelists. Noteworthy elements include the majestic arch of the presbytery and the width of the flattened arch of the choir, with an arch featuring a keystone with the figure of Saint Michael the Archangel.

The ceiling arches rest on classical pilasters that delimit the side chapels. Galleries stretch along the semicircular arches of the chapels, with large rounded windows generally arranged in groups of three. Italianate style mouldings line the interior.

The flooring dates from 1865. The balustrade of the presbytery is decorated with two marble figures holding oil lamps (18^th century). The stained-glass windows were manufactured by the Oriach firm of Barcelona from 1972 (the decorations with figures of the Apostles are particularly noteworthy). On the façade, the door (designed by Cèsar Martinell Brunet in 1949) is flanked by stone plaques that commemorate the participation of the Igualada militia in the Battles of El Bruc (1808) and its association with the flag of the Holy Christ of Igualada.

Successive generations have left their mark on the church and it has thus become a valuable religious, historical and artistic asset for the citizens of Igualada.

OPENING TIMES OF THE BASILICA

From Monday to Friday: from 9 am to 12 noon; from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Saturdays and eves of public holidays: from 9 am to 12 noon; from 7 pm to 9 pm

Public holidays: from 10.30 am to 1 pm; from 7 pm to 9 pm