Tomb Inscriptions: L’Església de Santa Maria del Pi (Barcelona)

Tombs, #6, L’Església de Santa Maria del Pi, Barcelona, 2025

“The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and the other begins?

—Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)

“I’m not afraid to die, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”

—Woody Allen (1935- )

“Death is no more than passing from one room to another. But there’s a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see.”

–Helen Keller (1880-1968)

Santa Maria del Pi (Saint Mary of the Pine Tree)

This church is probably not visited nearly as much as the main Barcelona Cathedral or the simple yet elegant Santa Maria del Mar, but this one still has its charms.

Some highlights…

–Initial construction dates from the 14th century.

–An earthquake in the 15th century collapsed much of the edifice.

—The War of the Spanish Succession in the early 18th century caused significant damage.

–Major reconstruction occurred in the latter half of the 19th century.

–The church was burned during the Spanish Cicil War, then rebuilt in the second half of the 20th century.

–A visit to the bell tower (15th century) is worth it for excellent city views–four visits daily (accompanied visit, up the 200+ steps).

–There are often events, exhibitions, and concerts in the sanctuary.

–Before your visit, check the church website for the latest information and to buy tickets.

Sanctuary Tombs… The Images

[NOTE: I’m working on translating the words on these tombs and will update this post once I finish.]

Most European churches have folks buried inside them in various places–in the crypt, in stone coffins on the walls, within the little side chapels, under the sanctuary floor, or maybe in a separate cemetery on the church grounds.

Santa Maria del Pi is no different.

As you walk in through the main entrance, you will immediately notice these tombs right under your squeeky Nikes, the ancient engravings slowly fading with the passage of the centuries.

Who were these people? Are their bones still there? Are their spirits still wisping about the nave, columns, and arches? Who really knows?

Note the year (where inscribed) and think about what was happening in the American Colonies at the time.

The images were made using the iPhone 15 and converted to monochrome in Nik Silver Efex Pro.