From May 3 to July 3, the crypt of the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar hosts the exhibition “La Seu de Manresa, 700 Years – From Berenguer de Montagut to Gaudí”, curated by Fermí Bataller and Francesc Rafat.
The exhibition is based on the 3D models of the constructional evolution created by Fermí Bataller for the documentary “La Seu de Manresa, Seven Centuries of Life”, which can also be viewed in the same exhibition space. Through 3D printing technology, scale models have been produced representing the different construction phases of the Basilica of La Seu de Manresa, from the 12th-century Romanesque church to the present-day basilica.
This work also aims to serve as a small tribute to the master builder Berenguer de Montagut, about whom little is known, yet who conceived this temple seven centuries ago and placed all his knowledge at the service of the city that entrusted him with the project.
The presentation of this exhibition in Barcelona takes place at Santa Maria del Mar because of several notable parallels between the two basilicas. Both occupy a very similar urban position:
The Seu de Manresa, beside the walled city with views over the Cardener River
Santa Maria del Mar, outside the Roman castra, overlooking the Illa de Maians and the first port of Barcelona
The two basilicas also share the same master builder, Berenguer de Montagut, author of both projects. As curator Fermí Bataller notes, “both were undertaken with a clear intention to provide their respective cities with a church of and for the people.” In both cases, the projects were commissioned by the citizens themselves.
Opening of the exhibition: Tuesday, May 3, at 7 p.m..
The exhibition is complemented by a catalogue book, available for purchase in the Santa Maria del Mar shop for €10.
