Playa de la Grava, Javea
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Església del Mar, Jávea

Coordinates: 38.795767, 0.182148
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Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Loreto (“Parroquia del Mar”), Jávea

Often simply called Iglesia del Mar, this striking mid-20th-century church is located in the historic fishing district of Duanes de la Mar. Inaugurated in 1967, it was designed by GO‑DB Arquitectos under Fernando García‑Ordóñez, with a bold boat-hull shape, inspired by Jávea’s maritime heritage

What Makes It Unique

  • Naval-Inspired Architecture
    The church’s oval floor plan and external concrete columns evoke the twelve apostles while the wooden ceiling is shaped like a ship’s keel—symbolizing a “boat of salvation”
  • Light as a Spiritual Symbol
    Soaring, cornerless walls allow natural light to wash down the interior, transforming the space into a calm, ethereal retreat. Its architectural significance earned it Spain’s prestigious National Architecture Prize in 1969
  • Cultural & Community Beacon
    More than a church, it is a lively cultural landmark—hosting masses, concerts, and moments of contemplation for locals and visitors alike. Its visual appeal even earned coverage from the BBC, comparing it to modern religious architecture in Liverpool and Brasilia

Visiting Hours & Services

  • Open daily from 9:00 AM until the end of the last Mass
  • Mass Times (Winter – Sept–June):
    Weekdays at 19:30;
    Saturdays at 9:00, 19:00 & 20:00;
    Sundays at 9:00, 11:00, 12:00 & 19:00
  • Mass Times (Summer – July–Aug):
    Weekdays at 9:00 & 20:00;
    Saturdays & eve of holidays at 9:00, 20:00 & 21:00;
    Sundays/Solemnities at 9:00, 11:00, 20:00 & 21:00
  • Confessions: 30 minutes before each Mass;
  • Rosary: Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri, 30 minutes before Mass
  • Parish Office Hours:
    Winter: Wed & Fri 18:00–19:30;
    Summer: Fri 18:30–19:30

Summary

Iglesia del Mar is a modernist masterpiece that blends sail-inspired architecture with spiritual symbolism and community purpose. With its light-filled interior, cultural vitality, and striking shape, it stands as one of Jávea’s most unique and unforgettable landmarks.