Santa Maria del Mar

Santa Maria del Mar is the Gothic parish church of Palamós, generally considered the oldest standing building in town.

How did the church come to be here?

The site's story begins in 1334, with a small chapel dependent on the parish of Santa Eugenia de Vila-romà. That building was enlarged in 1371, and by 1428 it had grown into an independent parish in its own right. The original structure, though, turned out too small: in 1434 it was pulled down to make way for the church that stands today, raised in stages across the 15th and 16th centuries in the late Gothic style.

What does the interior look like?

Inside is a single nave under a groin vault, leading to a polygonal chancel (semicircular when viewed from outside) flanked by six side chapels, three to each side. The main altarpiece, a striking retablo, is the work of sculptor Isaac Hermes Vermey, while a deep chapel houses the parish treasury.

What's the story behind the bell tower and doorway?

Building resumed in earnest in 1521: four more chapels went up, along with a choir, a vestibule, and new doorways on the east and south sides. That phase also produced the rectangular bell tower, capped with a baluster balustrade — and, notably, the tower absorbed the town's old Council Tower, where Palamós's jurors once met; a piece of that older structure is still visible next to the entrance. At the tower's base sits an elaborate late Gothic doorway from the early 16th century, attributed to the Occitan master builder Tomàs Barça, who worked on the church between 1521 and 1525.

Has the building suffered damage over the years?

Yes — the church has weathered several episodes of serious damage across its history, the most recent during the Spanish Civil War. Each time, restoration work followed, and the building has kept its Gothic character intact through it all.

Where exactly is it located?

The church sits in the heart of Palamós's old town, on Plaça de l'Església (Church Square) — a natural starting point for exploring the historic quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What architectural style is the church built in? Catalan late Gothic, with additions layered on across building phases in the 15th and 16th centuries.

What is the Council Tower mentioned alongside the bell tower? It was the town's earlier civic tower, where Palamós's council of jurors used to meet; the later bell tower absorbed part of it, and a section remains visible near the entrance.

Who made the main altarpiece? The retablo on the main altar is the work of Isaac Hermes Vermey.

Is the church still active today? Yes, it continues to function as a Catholic parish and remains the main church of Palamós.