Basilica of Santa Maria de la Seu de Manresa

The Cathedral of Manresa, officially known as the Basilica of Santa Maria de la Seu, is one of the most emblematic monuments of Catalan Gothic architecture and a historical and spiritual symbol of the city of Manresa, in the heart of Catalonia.
The cathedral dates back to the 9th century, when the first religious building was built on the Puigcardener hill, the birthplace of the city. In the 12th century, a Romanesque church was built, of which elements such as the tympanum of the door, a window, and the cloister are still preserved.
Over the centuries, Baroque elements (such as the bell tower and crypt in the 18th century) and Neo-Gothic elements (such as the façade and baptistery in the 20th century) were added. The basilica has survived wars and heritage losses, but remains a testament to Manresa's history.

The collegiate basilica of Santa María de la Aurora, better known as the Seu de Manresa, is an impressive Gothic temple located on a promontory over the Cardener River. The basilica began to be built in the 14th century on the foundations of a Romanesque church, of which a portal on the north façade still remains.

The church sits majestically on the rock, towering over the city of Manresa. With a little imagination, one could imagine the church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary as a patron saint—and given the papal honorary title of basilica—as a heavenly crown, majestically proclaiming the praises of God on earth.