The Templar Iglesia Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross) is the most interesting of several splendid Romanesque churches in Segovia.

History of Vera Cruz Church

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 at Vera Cruz Church

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 on Vera Cruz Church

Site Information
Names:	Vera Cruz · Vera Cruz Church
Country:	Spain
Categories:	churches
Styles:	Romanesque
Dedication:	Holy Cross
Dates:	1208
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	40.955696° N, 4.132560° W
Address:	Segovia, Spain
Lodging:	View hotels near Vera Cruz Church

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Personal visit (exterior only; April 1, 2007).
2. Rough Guide Spain 11 (2004), 188.
3. Romanico en Segovia - arteguias.com

More Information

• Photos of Vera Cruz Church - here on Sacred Destinations