Basilica of St Mary of Alicante

Basilica, Church and Historic Building in Alicante

Basilica of St Mary of Alicante
Basilica of St Mary of Alicante
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Diego Delso

The Basilica of St Mary of Alicante (Basílica de Santa María) is the city's oldest church, tucked into the atmospheric lanes of Alicante's Old Town near the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle. From the outside, it's a handsome stone landmark; step inside and you'll find a calm, reverent space where Gothic structure and later Baroque flourishes sit side by side.

It's an easy add-on to a self-guided walking tour of the Casco Antiguo: pair it with the nearby MACA (Contemporary Art Museum), a stroll through the Santa Cruz neighborhood, and a viewpoint stop on the way up toward the castle. If you're choosing the best places to see in central Alicante, this basilica is one of the most rewarding “quick stops” that can turn into a longer visit once you start exploring.

History and Significance of the Basilica of St Mary of Alicante

Built after the Christian reconquest on the site of a former mosque, the Basilica of St Mary is deeply tied to Alicante’s layered past. Its core is a classic example of Valencian Gothic, with a sturdy, fortress-like feel that reflects both medieval building traditions and the realities of a coastal city that faced conflict and bombardment over the centuries.

Over time, the basilica gained Baroque additions that changed its visual personality, especially on the façade and in decorative elements. That mix is part of what makes the visit so satisfying: you can read the building like a timeline, moving from earlier, more austere stonework to later, more theatrical details.

Beyond architecture, it remains an active place of worship and a cultural anchor in the Old Town. Visiting respectfully means you’re not just seeing a monument—you’re stepping into a living part of Alicante’s daily rhythm.

Things to See and Do in the Basilica of St Mary of Alicante

Start by taking in the exterior details before you go inside, especially the sculpted Baroque portal and the contrasting towers. Once inside, slow down and look for the interplay of light and stone: the basilica’s atmosphere is one of its biggest draws, and it’s easy to miss if you rush.

Many visitors highlight the audio guide and the way it adds context without overwhelming you. If you enjoy details, linger at the chapels and the main altar area, where the decorative style becomes more pronounced and photogenic.

If you’re up for it, the bell tower is the signature “do” here. The climb involves many steps and is best for those comfortable with stairs, but the payoff is a memorable panoramic view over Alicante’s rooftops and toward the waterfront.

How to Get to the Basilica of St Mary of Alicante

The nearest airports are Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) for the vast majority of travelers, with Valencia Airport (VLC) as a workable alternative if you're combining cities. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Alicante on Booking.com.

Alicante is well connected by rail, and arriving at Alicante-Terminal puts you within easy reach of the center by taxi, bus, or a straightforward walk depending on your luggage and pace. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for a central parking garage and finish on foot through the Old Town’s narrow streets. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Basilica of St Mary of Alicante

  • Official website: https://www.basilicaalicante.com/
  • Entrance fee: Adults (18–64): €6; Seniors (65+): €5; Youth/Students: €4; Under 12: free (with an adult).
  • Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 13:00–19:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go earlier in the day for a quieter interior and softer light, or later afternoon if you want to time your bell-tower climb for golden-hour views.
  • How long to spend: Plan 30–45 minutes for a highlights visit, or 60+ minutes if you’ll use the audio guide and climb the tower.
  • Accessibility: The main interior is generally easier than the tower, but the bell tower requires climbing many stairs and isn’t suitable for limited mobility.
  • Facilities: Expect a focused cultural-visit setup rather than a full visitor center; it’s best to use nearby cafés and public facilities in the Old Town before or after.

Where to Stay Close to the Basilica of St Mary of Alicante

Base yourself in Alicante Old Town/City Center for the easiest walkable access to the basilica, the castle approach, museums, and the waterfront.

Eurostars Mediterranea Plaza A polished, central pick near the Town Hall that keeps you steps from Old Town sights and an easy stroll to the Explanada.

Melia Alicante A classic waterfront stay with sea views and quick access to both the beach and the Old Town lanes leading to the basilica.

Hospes Amerigo A boutique-feel option with a more upscale vibe, great if you want a spa-style reset after walking the castle and historic quarter.

Hotel Serawa Alicante A stylish, design-forward base that’s convenient for food spots and evening strolls while staying close to the historic core.

Hotel Boutique Alicante Palacete S.XVII A character-rich stay that fits the Old Town mood, ideal if you want something atmospheric and close to the basilica on foot.

Is the Basilica of St Mary of Alicante Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you like historic architecture, quiet interiors, and compact attractions that deliver a lot without taking over your day. The basilica’s Gothic-Baroque blend feels distinctly Alicantino, and the bell-tower climb adds a “wow” moment that many travelers remember as a highlight.

Honest Pivot: If you're short on time and not interested in churches, or if stairs are a dealbreaker and you're mainly chasing viewpoints, you might prefer to focus on Santa Bárbara Castle and the waterfront instead. In that case, pop by the basilica only for a quick exterior look as you wander the Old Town.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (2,545)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with visitors praising the basilica’s beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and the added value of informative audio guides or guided visits. Many highlight the bell-tower climb as a standout for panoramic city views. The most common downside is that the tower involves many steps and can be physically demanding, and a few travelers note that you should allow enough time (around 45 minutes or more) to fully enjoy the visit without rushing.

Julie Smith
2 months ago
"Beautiful Basilica, atmospheric, wonderful alter. The audio guides were easy to use and gave just the right amount of information. You can walk uplots of steps to the belfry but a good level of fitness is required...."
David Katima
4 months ago
"Get a ticket and a guided visit! The history is very interesting, details and information very well presented. You can also access the bell tower andenjoy the city views. You need at least 45 minutes to complete the full visit and spare some time at the top of the bell tower… no rush...."
Aminah
2 months ago
"The Basilica of St. Mary in Alicante is beautiful! The architecture is stu ing, and it's really easy to get in and walk around. Peaceful atmosphereand definitely worth a quick visit if you're in the area...."

For Different Travelers

The Basilica of St Mary of Alicante works well as a flexible stop: you can keep it brief, or turn it into a deeper visit with an audio guide and tower climb. Its central Old Town location also makes it easy to combine with museums, viewpoints, and tapas.

Families with Kids

For families, the basilica can be a calm “reset” between more energetic stops like the castle climb or the beach. Kids who enjoy “treasure hunt” details will like spotting architectural features and exploring the sense of scale inside.

The bell tower can be fun for older kids and teens who are comfortable with lots of steps, especially because the view feels like a reward. For younger children, consider keeping the visit short and pairing it with a nearby snack stop.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate the basilica’s peaceful atmosphere and the way it slots into a slow Old Town wander. It’s a good place to step out of the sun, cool down, and take in something beautiful without needing a big plan.

If you both enjoy viewpoints, the bell tower adds a shared “mini-adventure” and a great photo moment over the city. Follow it with a sunset walk along the Explanada or a drink near the marina.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers get strong value here because the experience is substantial for the time spent, and the surrounding Old Town is perfect for free wandering. Even if you skip add-ons, the architecture and ambiance make it feel worthwhile.

To keep costs down, build a walking loop: basilica, MACA, Santa Cruz neighborhood, and a castle viewpoint. You'll get a full day of highlights with minimal transport spending.

History Buffs

History lovers will enjoy reading the basilica as a layered site: a Christian church built over an earlier Islamic sacred space, then reshaped by later artistic tastes. The contrast between Gothic structure and Baroque detail is especially satisfying if you like architectural evolution.

Pair the visit with the Santa Bárbara Castle for military and civic context, then walk the Old Town streets to see how the city's topography shaped its defenses and neighborhoods.

FAQs for Visiting Basilica of St Mary of Alicante

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the Old Town and is easy to reach on foot from the waterfront and the city center. Expect some slopes and steps in the surrounding lanes.
You can get close by bus or tram to central stops, then walk the final stretch through the Old Town. Taxis are also convenient for the last mile.
Yes, it’s one of the most natural pairings in Alicante. Many visitors stop at the basilica before or after heading up toward the castle routes.

Tickets & Entry

Usually no for casual visits, but booking can help if you want a guided visit at a specific time. If you’re visiting in peak season, planning ahead is smart.
Cultural-visit tickets commonly bundle access to key interior areas and the bell tower. Check what’s included on the day, as access can change around services.
Discounts are often available for seniors, students/youth, and groups, with free entry for some categories. If you qualify, bring ID to avoid issues.

Visiting Experience

Yes, it’s generally peaceful and visitors tend to keep voices low. Dress respectfully and be mindful that it’s an active religious site.
It’s a stair-heavy climb that can feel strenuous if you’re not used to steps. Take it slowly and skip it if you’re uncomfortable with steep or narrow stairways.
Yes if you like context, because it helps you notice details you might otherwise miss. It’s also a good option if you’re not joining a guided tour.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

If you enjoy stories and historical context, a guided visit can add a lot. It’s especially helpful for understanding the building’s layered styles.
Do the basilica first, then MACA, then wander Santa Cruz and continue toward castle viewpoints. Finish with a waterfront stroll near the marina.
Yes, it fits perfectly into most Old Town walking routes. It’s also a convenient mid-route stop for shade and a quieter pace.

Photography

Often yes, but rules can vary by area and during services. If in doubt, look for posted signs or ask staff before taking photos.
Yes, the plaza and nearby Old Town lanes frame the façade beautifully. Early morning and late afternoon light tend to be most flattering.
The bell tower is the standout for panoramic shots. If you skip the climb, nearby castle viewpoints can also deliver wide city views.

Accessibility & Facilities

The main visit is generally more manageable than the tower, but surfaces and thresholds can vary in historic buildings. The bell tower is not suitable due to stairs.
Facilities can be limited in historic religious sites. Plan to use nearby cafés or public facilities in the Old Town.
During services, tourist access may be restricted and movement is expected to be minimal. If you want a full cultural visit, go outside mass times.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Old Town has plenty of cafés and small bars within a few minutes’ walk. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop before or after.
Look around the Old Town lanes leading toward the waterfront for bakeries and casual tapas spots. Many places offer quick bites without a long sit-down.
For a casual break, head toward the Explanada or the waterfront areas where benches are more common. The immediate Old Town streets are better for café stops than picnics.

Safety & Timing

Central Alicante is generally safe and busy, especially in daylight. As in any tourist area, keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots.
Earlier in the day tends to be calmer, especially outside peak summer. Late afternoon can be busier if people time visits around views and evening walks.
Allow extra time if you plan to climb the tower, since the stairs slow most people down. Also remember that access can change around liturgical needs.

Nearby Attractions to the Basilica of St Mary of Alicante

The Basilica of St Mary of Alicante appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Alicante!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10:00-19:00.

Sunday: 13:00-19:00.

Price:

Adults (18-64): €6; Seniors (65+): €5; Youth/Students: €4; Under 12: free (with an adult).

Address: Pl. Sta. María, 1, 03001 Alicante (Alacant), Alicante, Spain
Alicante: 1 km
Telephone: +34 681 14 04 83
Official Website

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