Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Santa Cruz, Canary Islands, Spain

All Topics about Santa Cruz All Cities in Spain

1. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, reputed to be the burial place of the apostle Saint James.

Historical Significance: Dates back to the 9th century and showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.
Pilgrim's Mass: Every day at noon, the Pilgrim's Mass is held, honoring those who complete their Camino journey.
Pilgrimage Certificate: Receive a certificate of completion at the pilgrims' office in Santiago de Compostela.

Home to two famous churches – Santa María la Real and San Salvador de Yuso – where the first known works of Spanish in literature were written.

Historical Literary Connection: Inscriptions by Saint Isidore of Seville and Saint Pelayo are found within these churches.
Monastery Life: Witness the daily life of Carthusian monks at Santa María la Real monastery.
Hiking Opportunities: Enjoy hiking along the Camino de Santiago or the Way of San Millán, connecting to nearby towns and monasteries.

A beautiful Cistercian monastery featuring a stunning Romanesque-style church and an impressive library.

Library: Explore the historic library, home to thousands of ancient volumes.
Artistic Treasures: Discover various religious artworks and artistic treasures within the monastery.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Experience a serene and tranquil environment, perfect for reflection and relaxation.

An ancient Benedictine monastery perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the Samos Valley.

Historical Importance: Founded in the 6th century, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Spain.
Architectural Masterpiece: Features an intricate cloister, baroque façade, and a fascinating library.
Wine Tasting: Visit the adjacent Samos Winery for wine tasting and learn about the traditional winemaking process.

Famous for its striking Baroque church and the nearby Cave of San Lorenzo, where legends speak of Saint Lawrence's miraculous appearance.

Religious Legends: Learn about the local religious legends surrounding the cave and the town.
Baroque Architecture: Marvel at the ornate Baroque church, featuring a beautiful main altar and elaborate frescoes.
Hiking Opportunities: Embark on hikes to nearby mountain villages and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

An imposing Romanesque monastery housing a unique collection of ancient Christian art and relics.

Historical Art Collection: Discover the extensive collection of medieval religious art and artifacts.
Legendary History: Visit the tomb of Saint Pelayo, who is said to have appeared as a cow to defend the town from invaders.
Monastic Life: Witness the daily life of monks living within this ancient monastery.

A famous Marian shrine with stunning views of the valley below and a basilica filled with gold-plated carvings.

Marian Devotion: Pay homage to the Virgin Mary, whose apparition was reported here in 1901.
Gold-Plated Carvings: Be amazed by the intricate gold-plated carvings adorning the basilica's interior.
Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys from the sanctuary's terrace.

A beautiful Romanesque monastery with an impressive cloister and a rich history dating back to the 9th century.

Historical Importance: One of the oldest monasteries in Spain, it has been continuously inhabited by monks for over a millennium.
Cloister: Admire the stunning Romanesque cloister, with arches and sculptures representing various religious themes.
Artistic Treasures: Discover numerous artistic treasures within the monastery, such as frescoes and stone carvings.

A stunning Cistercian monastery featuring a unique circular church designed by the monk-architect Rodrigo de Ribas.

Architectural Masterpiece: Marvel at the round church's innovative design, which emphasizes unity and simplicity.
Historical Importance: Founded in the early 12th century, it is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Spain.
Monastic Life: Gain insights into monastic life through guided tours led by the resident Carthusian monks.

A remarkable Romanesque monastery with an extensive library and a famous astronomical clock.

Astronomical Clock: Be awed by the intricate astronomical clock, which shows the movements of the sun, moon, and stars.
Library: Explore one of Europe's oldest libraries, home to countless ancient texts.
Monastic Life: Experience the tranquil atmosphere of this functioning monastery and learn about its long history.

A picturesque Romanesque church with striking frescoes and a rich history dating back to the 10th century.

Historical Importance: One of the oldest churches in Spain, it was founded during the reign of King Sancho III.
Frescoes: Admire the well-preserved frescoes depicting religious scenes and characters.
Religious Legends: Discover local legends surrounding the church, including tales of miraculous occurrences.

A stunning Romanesque monastery housing Spain's most venerated relic – the True Cross of Christ.

Religious Significance: View the True Cross, believed to have been used in Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Historical Importance: Founded in the early 11th century, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Spain.
Artistic Treasures: Discover numerous artistic treasures within the monastery, such as gold-plated reliquaries and medieval frescoes.

A charming seaside town with a 16th-century church dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa.

Historical Importance: Founded in the 16th century, it is an important fishing port and a hub for local pilgrims.
Seaside Atmosphere: Enjoy the picturesque seaside setting, complete with charming boats, colorful houses, and fresh seafood.
Pilgrimage Connection: This town serves as a rest stop for pilgrims traveling along the Camino del Norte route of the Camino de Santiago.

A beautiful Cistercian monastery with stunning gardens and a remarkable history dating back to the 12th century.

Historical Importance: One of Spain's oldest monasteries, it has been continuously inhabited by monks for over eight centuries.
Gardens: Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring a variety of flora and fauna.
Artistic Treasures: Explore the monastery's impressive collection of religious art and relics.

A Romanesque church featuring intricate carvings and a rich history dating back to the 9th century.

Historical Importance: One of the oldest churches in Spain, it was built during the reign of King Alfonso II.
Carvings: Admire the ornate carvings and intricate details adorning the church's exterior.
Religious Legends: Discover local legends surrounding the church, including tales of miraculous occurrences.