Basílica de Santa María

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Discover the city of Elche's most iconic church, the setting for one of our most moving cultural performances.

The Basílica de Santa María, Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche, is a magnificent Baroque church, whose construction dates back to the 17th century. It is a large building and one of the city's most iconic monuments. It is also the setting for the Misteri d'Elx, a sacred performance of medieval origin that has been declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage.

The Basilica of Santa María in Elche stands on the site of an old mosque, its plan laid out as a Latin cross. The magrana or 'pomegranate' in the Misteri d'Elx is an emblematic symbol of this authentic pageant. It is just one of the elaborate, golden aerial props that drop through the ceiling of the church's large dome during the performance. This is definitely a site to see when you visit Elche.