BASILICA SANTA MARIA IN ELCHE - VALENCIAN COMMUNITY

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Minor Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche

Do you know that the representation of Mystery of Elche (Misteri d'Elx) is considered World Heritage by Unesco?

Moreover, this Alicante town brings together two Patrimonies of Humanity, because this recognition also has the Elche palm grove.

Therefore, when you go Elche, it becomes a must see the Minor Basilica of Santa Maria, the church where, since the fifteenth century!, this choral representation is celebrated every year.

History Basilica Santa María in Elche

You can find this church in the historic center of Elche, in front of the Altamira Palace, which is now the headquarters of Archaeological and History Museum from the city.

West front of the minor Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche

The temple that we now see is not where it originally began to celebrate the Mystery of Elche. Actually, where is the current one Minor Basilica of Santa Mariaduring the Muslim occupation the mosque major.

This was replaced by a first Gothic-style temple, where in the second half of the fifteenth century the famous representation was represented for the first time.

During the 16th century, another larger temple was built, which was destroyed by storm in 1672. Thereafter, the current temple began to be built, which was completed in 1784, more than a century later.

Interior of the minor Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche

When visit the minor Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche, you will see that it has a mixture of architectural styles, from Baroque to Neoclassical.

Inside you will see a single ship and a large dome on the cruise. At High altar an image of the Virgin of the Assumption, which is not the original, but was carved after the Civil War.

Externally, the most prominent element is the Cover of the Assumption, on the western side, in the baroque style. It is through this door that the interpreters of the church enter the church every year. Mystery of Elche.

Panoramic views of the Palm Grove of Elche from the Tower of the Minor Basilica of Santa Maria

In your visit to the church you should not stop climb the bell tower, from where you will have the best panoramic views of Elche and of his great palm grove.

Schedules visit Basilica Santa María

The visiting hours of the Basilica of Santa Maria minor they are every day, from 7 to 13 hours, and from 17.30 to 21 hours.

The schedules to climb the tower they are, in summer, from July to September, from 11 to 19 hours. In the rest of the year they are from 11 to 18 hours, except from December to February, whose hours are from 11 to 17 hours, on Saturdays; from 11 to 16 hours, from Monday to Friday; and from 11 to 15 hours, on Sundays.