Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus (San Sebastian)
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus is a beautiful Baroque-style temple whose construction began in mid-1522 on the grounds of an old Romanesque church from the 12th century. Completed in 1774, it is an example of a varied architectural mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Churrigueresque, Neoclassical and Rococo elements.
What stands out at first glance is the superb main doorway located between the two towers, as if it were an altarpiece crowned by the martyred representation of Saint Sebastian along with the city's heraldry. Its interior is also impressive, with a splendid central nave and an almost 50-meter hall divided into three naves. These, in turn, are divided into four other areas using the pillars of the nave as the axis.
The basilica's design highlights the interior space thanks to the six pillars and the walls that act as buttresses to support the vaults. Its octagonal pillars reach a height of 15 meters to the top of its capitals. This provides for a harmonious distribution with the central vault, which reaches a height of almost 30 meters, giving the basilica great immensity.
Without a doubt, the element of greatest beauty and splendour is the main altar dedicated to the virgin who gives the basilica its name. It has a beautiful carving of about 40 centimetres that dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Highlights include the careful finish on her sweet face and her dark complexion.
Likewise, a spectacular canvas by the famous artist Luis Boccia from 1819, dedicated to Saint Sebastian, stands out, as does the magnificent Cavaille-Coll, a romantic organ with a Baroque facade dating from 1863.
What stands out at first glance is the superb main doorway located between the two towers, as if it were an altarpiece crowned by the martyred representation of Saint Sebastian along with the city's heraldry. Its interior is also impressive, with a splendid central nave and an almost 50-meter hall divided into three naves. These, in turn, are divided into four other areas using the pillars of the nave as the axis.
The basilica's design highlights the interior space thanks to the six pillars and the walls that act as buttresses to support the vaults. Its octagonal pillars reach a height of 15 meters to the top of its capitals. This provides for a harmonious distribution with the central vault, which reaches a height of almost 30 meters, giving the basilica great immensity.
Without a doubt, the element of greatest beauty and splendour is the main altar dedicated to the virgin who gives the basilica its name. It has a beautiful carving of about 40 centimetres that dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Highlights include the careful finish on her sweet face and her dark complexion.
Likewise, a spectacular canvas by the famous artist Luis Boccia from 1819, dedicated to Saint Sebastian, stands out, as does the magnificent Cavaille-Coll, a romantic organ with a Baroque facade dating from 1863.
Location
What to see in San Sebastian
