Iglesia de la Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross), Segovia
Located on a secluded road just outside the historic town the Church of the True Cross stands as a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. Designated as a National Monument, this splendid church was established in the 13th century by the Knights Templar. "Vera Cruz" translates to "True Cross," paying homage to the sacred relic associated with Christ's crucifixion.
This remarkable church features a nave with a dodecagonal (twelve-sided) floor plan, encircling a small central two-story shrine, known as an edicule. The original construction displays a Romanesque style transitioning towards Gothic, and subsequent additions include three apses, a semi-circular sacristy, and a square-shaped tower.
The architectural design of the church draws inspiration from the Roman baptisteries of early Christianity, particularly the Dome of the Rock and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Various Crusader Orders, including the Templars who were headquartered in the Holy Land, replicated this layout in their churches in different locations such as London, Paris (now demolished), Tomar, and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Torres del R铆o, Navarre.
The exterior wall of the church is constructed with ashlar stones, adorned with small semicircular arrow windows that allow light to permeate the interior. The structure is fortified with buttresses at its edges to provide structural support.
The tower of the Church of the True Cross features a square floor plan and a gable roof. Comprising four levels, the final level houses the bells and exhibits two semicircular arch windows on each side. The base of the tower is further reinforced with buttresses. Within the nave, remnants of the original mural decoration can still be seen, along with two niches鈥攐ne dedicated to the patron saint of the Order of Malta, Our Lady of Philermo, and the other honoring the patron saint, Saint John the Baptist.
The centerpiece of the church is the edicule, a small two-story shrine situated in the center. Accessible through a double staircase leading to the lower floor, the main entrance is located beneath this staircase. The second floor of the edicule is crowned by a caliphal dome, featuring an altar adorned with Mud茅jar decoration. The lower floor, marked by four pointed arches aligned with the cardinal points, is adorned with ribbed vaulting.
The Church of the True Cross holds religious ceremonies for the Knights of the Order of Malta, and its significance is underscored by the notable processions that take place, particularly the procession of Good Friday, which includes the solemn parade of the Lying Christ and the Lignum Crucis. During this procession, the Knights of the Order of Malta don black choir habits.
The Church of the True Cross welcomes the public from Tuesday to Sunday, opening its doors for exploration between 10 am and 1:30 pm, as well as from 4 pm to 6 pm (extended to 7 pm during the summer season). However, please note that the church remains closed on Mondays.
This remarkable church features a nave with a dodecagonal (twelve-sided) floor plan, encircling a small central two-story shrine, known as an edicule. The original construction displays a Romanesque style transitioning towards Gothic, and subsequent additions include three apses, a semi-circular sacristy, and a square-shaped tower.
The architectural design of the church draws inspiration from the Roman baptisteries of early Christianity, particularly the Dome of the Rock and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Various Crusader Orders, including the Templars who were headquartered in the Holy Land, replicated this layout in their churches in different locations such as London, Paris (now demolished), Tomar, and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Torres del R铆o, Navarre.
The exterior wall of the church is constructed with ashlar stones, adorned with small semicircular arrow windows that allow light to permeate the interior. The structure is fortified with buttresses at its edges to provide structural support.
The tower of the Church of the True Cross features a square floor plan and a gable roof. Comprising four levels, the final level houses the bells and exhibits two semicircular arch windows on each side. The base of the tower is further reinforced with buttresses. Within the nave, remnants of the original mural decoration can still be seen, along with two niches鈥攐ne dedicated to the patron saint of the Order of Malta, Our Lady of Philermo, and the other honoring the patron saint, Saint John the Baptist.
The centerpiece of the church is the edicule, a small two-story shrine situated in the center. Accessible through a double staircase leading to the lower floor, the main entrance is located beneath this staircase. The second floor of the edicule is crowned by a caliphal dome, featuring an altar adorned with Mud茅jar decoration. The lower floor, marked by four pointed arches aligned with the cardinal points, is adorned with ribbed vaulting.
The Church of the True Cross holds religious ceremonies for the Knights of the Order of Malta, and its significance is underscored by the notable processions that take place, particularly the procession of Good Friday, which includes the solemn parade of the Lying Christ and the Lignum Crucis. During this procession, the Knights of the Order of Malta don black choir habits.
The Church of the True Cross welcomes the public from Tuesday to Sunday, opening its doors for exploration between 10 am and 1:30 pm, as well as from 4 pm to 6 pm (extended to 7 pm during the summer season). However, please note that the church remains closed on Mondays.
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Iglesia de la Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross) on Map
Sight Name: Iglesia de la Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross)
Sight Location: Segovia, Spain (See walking tours in Segovia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Segovia, Spain (See walking tours in Segovia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Segovia, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Segovia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Segovia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Segovia Introduction Walking Tour
Some say Segovia is the essence of Spain and a testament to the greatness of human achievement. Others call it a place of romance and a living legacy of the past in an inspiring setting. Either way, what is certain about this historic walled town perched on a rocky hilltop is that it boasts stunning views and magnificent architectural monuments.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Segovia's Historical Churches Walking Tour
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Dominating the skyline with regal grandeur, Segovia Cathedral (Catedral de Segovia), an opus of... view more
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Dominating the skyline with regal grandeur, Segovia Cathedral (Catedral de Segovia), an opus of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
For centuries, an exquisite blend of medieval allure and cultural significance has beckoned visitors to Segovia's Jewish Quarter. The undulated shape and seven gates of this storied area set it apart from the rest of the city.
Beyond the boundaries of the Quarter, the majestic Gate of Saint Andrew (Puerta de San Andr茅s) serves as one of the access points to both the walled city of Segovia... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Beyond the boundaries of the Quarter, the majestic Gate of Saint Andrew (Puerta de San Andr茅s) serves as one of the access points to both the walled city of Segovia... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles