Iglesia Vera Cruz, Segovia
View of Vera Cruz from the Alcazar. Photo © Sacred Destinations.
Closer view at sunset. Photo
Steve Bailey.
Altar in the center of Vera Cruz. Photo
albToxo. Interactive satellite map of Vera Cruz. For a larger view,
see our Segovia Map or Google Earth download.
The Templar Iglesia Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross) is the most interesting of several splendid Romanesque churches in Segovia.
History
Consecrated in 1208, Vera Cruz was built by the Knights Templar to house a fragment of the True Cross. It is thus not really a parish church or even a monastic church, but primarily a shrine. The relic is now housed in the nearby village church at Zamarramala.
What to See
Vera Cruz has a unique 12-sided exterior with a tower on the south side, which can be admired from the viewpoint near the Alcazar. Its shape is patterned on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where according to legend the True Cross was found by St. Helena in the 4th century.
Inside, the round nave centers on an unusual two-story gallery, where the Knights are thought to have kept vigil over the sliver of wood. You can climb the tower for beautiful views of the Alcazar and old city.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Iglesia Vera Cruz; Church of the True Cross |
| Type of site: | Templar shrine church |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic; Knights Templar |
| Dates: | 1208 |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
| Location: | Valley below the Alcazar, Segovia, Spain |
| Hours: | Tue-Sun 10:30-1:30 & 3:30-7pm; closes 6pm in winter; closed Mondays and in November |
| Cost: | €1.50 |
Getting There
In a car, you can drive right up to the church and park next to it (see map). On foot, take the path down to Paseo San Juan de La Cruz.
Travel Resources
- Segovia Map - our internative aerial map plus links to more maps
- Segovia Travel Blog - read about our trip to Segovia from Madrid
- Segovia Hostels - search and book budget lodgings in Segovia
- Segovia Hotel Reviews - unbiased opinions from fellow travelers
- Segovia Car Rentals - book a rental car to pick up in Segovia
- Segovia Travel Forum - get answers, tips and advice on Segovia tourism
Article Sources
- Personal visit (exterior only; April 1, 2007).
- Rough Guide Spain 11 (2004), 188.
- Romanico en Segovia - arteguias.com
