Mare de Déu del Vilar, Catholic sanctuary in Blanes, Spain
Mare de Déu del Vilar is a sanctuary located on high ground near Blanes that displays noucentisme architecture. The building features a single central nave with barrel vaults and lateral chapels that structure the interior space.
The sanctuary preserves a 13th-century statue of the Virgin Mary that was hidden in the forest during the war from 1936 to 1939. This action protected the artwork from destruction during that turbulent period.
The interior shows maritime themes throughout, especially in the presbytery with ceramic work and numerous votive offerings related to ships and the sea. Visitors can see these collections of gifts that believers have brought over the years.
The sanctuary is accessible by walking paths and sits on high ground offering views over the surrounding area. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walk up, and you should allow time to explore both the building and the location.
One of the votive offerings inside is an oar that references a literary work by local writer Joaquim Ruyra about seafaring. This object connects the religious devotion of the place to the local artistic heritage.
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