Do you know that the representation of Elche mystery (Mystery of Elx) is considered Heritage awarded by the Unesco?
What's more, this Alicante town brings together two World Heritage, since the Elche palm grove.
Therefore, when you go to Elche, the Minor Basilica of Saint Mary, the church where, since the 15th century!!, this choral performance is celebrated every year.
All the information in detail
History of Santa María Basilica 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 de la ciudad.
The temple we now see is not where the celebration originally began. Elche mystery. Actually, where is the current Minor Basilica of Saint Mary During the Muslim occupation, the main mosque.
This was replaced by a first Gothic style temple, where in the second half of the 15th century the famous performance was performed for the first time.
During the 1672th century, another larger temple was built, which was destroyed by a storm in 1784. From then on, construction began on the current temple, which was completed in XNUMX, more than a century later.
When visit the Minor Basilica of Santa María in Elche, you will see that it has a mix of architectural styles, from baroque to neoclassical.
Inside you will see a single nave and a large dome over the transept. In it 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 where each year the interpreters of the Elche mystery.
During 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 its great palm grove.
Visiting times for Basilica Santa María
The Visiting hours of the Minor Basilica of Santa María They are every day, from 7 a.m. to 13 p.m., and from 17,30:21 p.m. to XNUMX p.m.
The times to climb the tower They are, in summer, from July to September, from 11 a.m. to 19 p.m. In the rest of the year they are from 11 a.m. to 18 p.m., except from December to February, when hours are from 11 a.m. to 17 p.m., on Saturdays; from 11 a.m. to 16 p.m., Monday to Friday; and from 11 a.m. to 15 p.m., on Sundays.
The ticket prices to climb the tower it is 2 euros for adults; 1 euro for children from 5 to 10 years old; and free for children under 5 years old
Photos Basilica Santa María in Elche
Here you have more photos of the Basilica of Santa María de Elche, in the province of Alicante.
Hello, I visited the Santa Maria church in the summer of 1974 and it seems that at the entrance to the church there are two writings on marble plaques. I would like to see photos of these writings, thank you