Basílica de Santa Maria

This is a really stunning place to visit and an absolute must if you are in Elche. The architecture is insane, definitely one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever been in. You can go inside, but it's through a little hole in the wall to the left of the grand door, it isn't obvious at all and I can't remember seeing a sign. You can go inside for free, but you have to play to climb the tower. I didn't climb so not sure the cost

What a lovely experience and the only two euros to climb the tower.. (cash only)... Well laid out and lots of things to read and experience and a nice visit

Absolutely beautiful building, you can go in the main doors just to see the church or you can go through the small door in the side and pay 2 euros each to climb the tower. I paid thinking it was to visit the church, I have no head for heights & declined the climb and was offered my 2 euros back by the man on the door which I declined. Whilst my husband climbed the tower the man on the desk complemented me on my Spanish pronunciation, I've been learning a while and it gave me a boost, we had short conversation and he was a brilliant teacher he's missing his vocation, if anyone reads this that knows him please pass my gratitude on to him. Anyway back to the Basilica, a must to visit if you get the chance, it's a lovely building in an amazing part of this beautiful city.

😲 An absolutely amazing place of worship I was blown away with the external architecture but even more with the inside a place of absolute bliss I don't think I've ever seen something so beautiful slightly emotional to see in person 😍

It is very nice church from inside as well as from outside. I also do recommend to climb the tower, it costs only 2 euros and it has very nice views and there are side stops on this tower. Just the last part of stairs might be difficult if you are big person, you simply won't fit.

Across the road from the palace and MARE museum is the Basilica of Santa Maria, a modern seventeenth century building. I opted for the €2 ticket to climb the bell tower. That was quite a fun choice - there were about 170 steps and the last 30 or so were very narrow so my shoulders brushed each side of the stairwell! The views were impressive and you could walk onto part of the roof too. It did give an idea of the size of the palm tree oasis as well as view of the suspension bridge. On the plus side, I was certainly warmer after the climb! Outside the church are several sculptures and the doorways are also rather impressive! As my visit was on a Sunday morning I couldn't go into the church itself as there were services going on.

It's a beautiful building - from the outside! Unfortunately, the opening hours (April 2021) were really inconvenient (10-12:30 and 18-20:30) so that we couldn't have a look inside. But I'm sure it's worth an inside visit! Already the entrance port and it's facade is a pleasure to look at! It looks recently renovated and there's free WiFi on the square in front: Wifi4EU...

I like the fact that the virgin Mary has her own small and very well decorated apartment above the altar (you go girl!).

Basílica Santa María (built from 1672 till 1784) is the heart of Elche. The church is located in the center of the city and is one of most important places to visit (usually ranked 2nd after the Palmeral of Elche park). The building is a mix of different architectural styles from barocco to neo-classicism (read in Wikipedia after the visit). I had a feeling that parts of the building didn't quite match together when I was visiting but I couldn't understand what was going on :) The styles probably changed a lot over the years while they were building it! The church is home to yearly event called Misteri d'Elx (The Mystery Play of Elche), which takes place in August, 14-15. The Mystery Play of Elche is a religious drama (a performance) representing The Assumption of Mary into Heaven. Worth a visit if you are in Elche and around at these dates. Entrance is free. I added a separate listing for Misterio d'Elx on Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/misterio-de-elche-elche The Basílica is also known for the views from its bell tower (haven't been there yet). It doesn't look very high from the ground but the views are very impressive (see pics here: https://goo.gl/maps/96j79YMRmAP2). The fee is just €2 for adults and €1 for children.

As an Anglo Canadian, i attended service on Sunday. Starts at 12:00 sharp. This is a family service with a guitar and singing to "blowing in the wind". I don't speak Spanish but this is a standard Catholic family service. No surprises. Friendly, clean, interesting. I got what I came for. Note: a cafe sets up tables in the square. Most days they are open but on Sunday, they will set up during mass. Exit church and order a pint! Get some ablongades meat balls! Beer and Eucharist. Perfect together.