Basilica of Vera Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz, Spain

The Basilica of Vera Cruz consists of two clearly differentiated parts: the walls and the sanctuary. Despite its Islamic origins, the monument has undergone many changes. Nowadays, 14 different shaped-and-sized fortified towers are spread along the wall. The fortress belonged first to the Order of the Temple, and later to the Order of Santiago, a Spanish Christian military order. Moreover, the castle was used for military purposes during the Spanish Succession War and the Peninsular War.

The Holy True Cross Sanctuary was built in the heart of the old fortress in the 17th century. Then, in the 18th century, its magnificent baroque façade was annexed to the sanctuary. The church has a Latin-Cross plan, a continuous gallery over the lateral naves, and also a dome over the transept. Recently, the Holy True Cross Museum has been reopened in the sanctuary rooms.

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Details

Founded: 1617
Category: Religious sites in Spain

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Gaynor Rowland (3 months ago)
Beautiful basilica in the lovely town of Caravaca with great views of the surrounding area
Brian O'Hagan (3 months ago)
Only 3 stars as we had travelled 3 hours from Valencia to visit this famous site and the door was literally closed shut and locked in front of me. Apparently there was a mass being celebrated but when I managed to (rudely, I admit) gain entry through a side door there was "one" celebrant and "two" staff listening to a " recorded" mass, not a priest in sight!!! Practicing Christians at their best!! To clarify, we visited Sunday at 11, when their website says it's open. Now, remind me why the church is losing its respect.
Phil Pasco (5 years ago)
Really Great views and a bit different to other basilica's as this one is fortified. We got the motorised train up the hill and really enjoyed the peace of the place. Definitely worth the stop if you have time as this one is different
Amelia Gonzalez Gil (6 years ago)
Very beautiful
Stijn Vanschoonbeek (6 years ago)
Caravaca is dominated by the medieval Santuario de la Vera Cruz (Sanctuary of True Cross), and contains several convents and a fine parish church, with a miraculous cross celebrated for its healing power, in honor of which a yearly festival is held on 3th May.
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