Basilica of Santa María la Mayor

The Basilica of Santa María la Mayor, or Basílica de Santa María la Mayor in its local language, is an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Pontevedra, Spain. This magnificent basilica, dating back to the 16th century, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Its blend of late Gothic and Renaissance styles, combined with its intricate architectural details, make it a must-visit destination for history buffs and casual tourists alike.

The History of the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor

The history of the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor is deeply intertwined with the history of Pontevedra itself. Although Pontevedra is not the seat of a bishopric, the basilica is often considered the city's cathedral due to its grandeur and significance. The current structure was built on the site of a former Romanesque church, which was demolished in the early 15th century. The construction of the new basilica was spearheaded by the archbishops of Santiago de Compostela, Alonso II de Fonseca y Acevedo and Alonso III de Fonseca y Ulloa, with significant support from noble families and various guilds, including the influential Gremio de Mareantes, the oldest maritime guild in Spain.

The basilica's construction was a collaborative effort involving several master builders, including Juan de los Cuetos, Diego Gil, Cornielles de Holanda, Mateo López, Sebastián Barros, Domingo Fernández, and Juan Noble. The main Plateresque façade, resembling a stone altarpiece, was completed in 1541, while the final vault was closed in 1559. The tower to the right of the entrance was added by Mateo López in 1605. In 1962, Pope John XXIII elevated the church to the status of a basilica, further cementing its importance in the region.

Exploring the Exterior

The exterior of the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor is a sight to behold. The main façade, facing west, features a grand staircase leading up to an elaborately decorated entrance. Designed in the Plateresque style, this façade is a tapestry of sculptural details, including high-relief scenes, statues, and decorative motifs. The entrance is flanked by two imposing buttresses, and above the doorway, visitors can admire a relief depicting the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by medallions shaped like scallop shells, statues of saints, and even historical figures such as Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés.

On the southern side of the basilica, another façade features a large Baroque-decorated arch and a prominent crucifix. The Manueline-style cresting that crowns the walls and the apse, along with a large window adorned in the same style, adds to the basilica's architectural splendor.

Discovering the Interior

The interior of the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor is equally impressive, with a basilica layout comprising three naves and several side chapels. The central nave showcases Renaissance influences, while the side naves and chapels reflect late Gothic styles. The ceilings are adorned with ribbed vaults, including a notable one crafted by Diego Gil in 1522.

The main chapel, known as the Capilla Mayor, houses a modern chestnut and walnut wood altarpiece, created between the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the Galician sculptor Máximo Magariños. This chapel also features a pulpit and fourteen bas-relief panels depicting the Stations of the Cross.

Noteworthy Chapels

Several chapels within the basilica are worth a visit:

• Capilla del Cristo: Also known as the Chapel of the Good Jesus or the Chapel of Anguish, this chapel features an 18th-century Baroque altar by José Ferreiro. It was founded by the Barbeito Padrón family in 1525, and several family members are buried here.
• Capilla de las Angustias: This chapel contains a statue of the Virgin of Anguish, a Fonseca family coat of arms, and the remains of Bartolomé Sarmiento.
• Capilla de la Purísima: Home to a wooden altarpiece featuring the Virgin of Hope, the patroness of Pontevedra, and five panels from 1500 by the Portuguese sculptor Atayde.
• Capilla de la Trinidad: This chapel boasts an altar with symbols and sculptures representing the Holy Trinity, as well as a small statue of Our Lady with the Child, seated on Noah's Ark, which serves as a tabernacle.
• Altar de la Virgen Dolorosa: This Baroque altar includes a glass-encased statue of the Reclining Christ.

The Western Counter-Façade

The western counter-façade of the basilica, spanning the width of the central nave, is one of the temple's most remarkable features. Richly decorated with figures and allegories, it represents a symbolic struggle between virtues and vices, interspersed with biblical, mythological, and everyday scenes. This stone altarpiece, conceived as a speculum or mirror of biblical teachings, served to remind the faithful of the church's doctrines, emphasizing the duality of salvation and the perils of the soul upon leaving the temple. Over time, modifications have altered its original appearance, making its interpretation challenging. In 1571, a high choir was added, likely changing the original counter-façade, which was erected between 1541 and 1546, possibly with contributions from Cornielles de Holanda.

In conclusion, the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor is not just a religious monument; it is a symbol of Pontevedra's rich history and cultural heritage. Its walls and chapels echo stories from centuries past, making it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting this beautiful city.