St. Teresa Church, Ávila, Spain

St. Teresa Church was built on the house in which Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada was born and is part of the Carmelite convent. Underground, the large vaulted burial crypt, which is currently used as the Museum of St Teresa, is the only example of its kind in Spanish religious architecture. The work was directed by the Carmelite architect Fray Alonso de San José and began in 1629. The building was opened on 15 October 1636.

In the purest Carmelite Baroque style, the church has a Latin-cross layout with a central nave and four chapels on each side. With the main altar in the northwest, it does not keep to established liturgical orientation as the presbytery was built to coincide with the room in which Teresa of Jesus was born. The entrance to the chapel of St Teresa opens up on the right arm of the transept and coincides with the area in which her family home once stood, together with the 'small garden where the saint prayed' opposite.

The front, which was designed in the style of an altarpiece, is separated into three bodies, giving prominence to the marble statue of the saint and the coats of arms of the Cepeda and Ahumada families, the Order of the Barefoot Carmelites, that of the Duke of Olivares, that of the Governor and that of Doctor of the Church.

Inside, the sculptures by Gregorio Fernández (17th century) and his school are of particular interest.

References:

Ávila Tourism

Religious sites in Spain

User Reviews

Pedro Arellano (3 years ago)
Doesn’t matter if you’re not familiar with the story of Santa Teresa de Avila, this is a must see while in Avila. Located in the southern part of town, it includes the beautiful chapel where the Saint was born. This is some of the few places where a hired guide will be convenient to understand the frescos. There’s a museum which is not worthy unless you’re into the Saint’s life. The church is located in a recently renewed plaza, which makes a beautiful setting for pictures. As happens in most churches, dress modestly and don’t be loud, as it is a sacred place.

Subhash Chandra Jose (3 years ago)
Don't forget to pray and go in to the left side of the church to see the birthplace and bedroom of st Teresa while being in the luxury of her father's wealth

Galen Sauder (3 years ago)
We enjoyed the history and story.

STUART GIBBONS (3 years ago)
A place of peace and calm, with the bonus of historical significance.

Joseph SR (3 years ago)
GOOD. VERY SPECIAL FOR NUNS.

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