The church was built using stones sourced from the nearby slopes of Mount Benacantil.
The facade features two asymmetrical towers, one of which was finished much later than the other.
The interior holds a collection of 15th-century Hispano-Flemish paintings.
It contains a notable organ constructed in the 17th century, representing traditional Iberian organ building.
The transition from Gothic to Baroque styles is visible in the evolution of the exterior statuary and portals.
The Basilica of St Mary of Alicante is the oldest active church in the city, constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries. It was built upon the ruins of a former Great Mosque following the Reconquista. The structure features a unique single-nave layout with lateral chapels, characteristic of Valencian Gothic architecture. Its ornate Baroque facade, added during the 18th century, houses a prominent statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior contains a 15th-century baptismal font and a significant Rococo main altar. The building functions as an active parish church and serves as a site for local religious processions. It is situated at the base of Mount Benacantil in Alicante's Old Town district. The structure survived several historical sieges and conflicts that shaped the city's coastal defense layout.
The elevated view from the steps facing the main facade to capture the contrast between the Baroque portal and the surrounding Plaza de Santa María.
Look for the hidden original Gothic carvings inside the lateral chapels.
Visit during the early morning to avoid the heat reflected off the plaza stones.
Check for local religious festivals when the basilica becomes the center of community processions.
Avoid taking photos during active religious services as it disrupts worshippers.
May have limited access during specific religious services or local holidays.
Maintain silence, remove hats, and ensure shoulders and knees are covered as it is an active religious site.
