Spain
Holy sites in Spain.
Avila Cathedral (Catedral del Salvador)
Construction on the cathedral first began in the 12th century and continued up until the 17th century. As part of the Old Town of Avila, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.
Basilica of Sts. Vincent, Sabina and Cristeta (San Vicente de Avila)
This basilica is built on traditional burial site of Saint Vincent, a young deacon martyred for his faith in the 4th century under the reign of Diocletian. The church houses his relics and those of fellow martyrs Sts. Sabina and Cristeta.
Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
According to ancient Christian tradition, Mary appeared to the apostle James the Greater as he was preaching in Spain. In 40 AD, while facing severe discouragement, St. James was praying on the banks of the Ebro River when the Blessed Mother appeared to him on a column, encouraging him to persevere in his missionary efforts. This apparition is unique because Mary would have bilocated while still alive in Jerusalem or Ephesus.
Church and birthplace of St. Teresa of Jesus (Casa Natal Santa Teresa de Jesus)
This 17th-century church, run by the Discalced Carmelites, marks the spot where St Teresa of Avila is believed to have been born. The church houses a museum dedicated to her life and works.
Church of the Birthplace of St. John of the Cross (Iglesia Casa Natal de San Juan de la Cruz)
Church in the town of St. John of the Cross's birth
Convent of our Lady of Carmen (Convento de Nuestra Senora del Carmen), Soria
The fifteenth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1581.
Convent of St. John of the Cross (Convento de San Juan de la Cruz)
St. John of the Cross founded the convent in 1588 and led the community as prior until 1591. His head and body are located in a side chapel. Although no longer an active monastery, the site serves as a sanctuary for spiritual exercises. Pope St. John Paul II visited the site in 1982.
Convent of the Anunciation (Convento de La Anunciacion), Alba de Tormes
The eigth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1571, and also the place of her death in 1582. Today the main altarpiece houses St. Teresa's incorrupt heart and arm.
Convento de San Jose del Carmen (Las Teresas), Seville
The eleventh of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1575. This convent does not appear open to the public.
Convento de San Jose y Santa Ana, Burgos
The last of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1582.
Convento de San Jose, Avila
The first of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1562. Visitors can explore the church, cloister, and St. Teresa's cell, now a chapel dedicated to prayer.
Convento de San Jose, Caravaca de la Cruz
The twelvth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1576.
Convento de San Jose, Granada
The sixteenth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1582. Co-founded with St. John of the Cross.
Convento de San Jose, Malagon
The third of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1568.
Convento de San Jose, Medina del Campo
The second of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1567, and also where she met and influenced St. John of the Cross. Now houses a museum.
Convento de San Jose, Segovia
The ninth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1574.
Convento de San Jose, Toledo
The fifth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1569.
Convento de Santa Ana, Villanueva de la Jara
The thirteenth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1580.
Convento de Santa Teresa, Valladolid
The fourth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1568.
Convento del Carmen, Pastrana
The sixth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1569. St. John of the Cross may have written his *Dark Night of the Soul* and *Ascent of Mount Carmel* here. In 1836 the convent was confiscated by the Spanish government, but in 1855 was reoccupied by Conceptionist Franciscan nuns. Today it serves as a Conceptionist convent and Teresan museum.
Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica of Santiago de Compostela (Catedral de Santiago)
This cathedral is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the twelve apostles. According to tradition, his tomb was rediscovered in 814 AD by St. Pelagius the Hermit. One of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in the world, it lies at the end of the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James. Today the church is the centerpiece of the larger Santiago de Compostela UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monasterio de las Batuecas
The seventh of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila in 1578. Its secluded setting reflects her desire for a life dedicated to prayer and contemplation. As noted on the official site - the Carmelite Desert, more than a geographical place, is an interior experience of solitude and contemplation. The monastery accepts pilgrims looking for a contemplative retreat. Guests are invited to participate in community prayers.
Monasterio de San Jose del Salvador, Beas
The tenth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1575.
Monastery of Duruelo
The first monastery established by St. John of the Cross and Fr. Antonio of Jesus in 1568, using a small farmhouse which had been donated to St. Teresa of Avila. Soon the community outgrew the building, and moved to Mancera de Abajo in 1570, then Avila in 1600.
Monastery of the Incarnation (Monasterio de La Encarnacion)
Founded in 1478, this Carmelite convent in Avila was where Saint Teresa entered as a young woman and lived for 27 years. She took her vows here and began her journey as a mystic and reformer. The monastery features her cell, the Chapel of Transverberation and a museum dedicated to her life. St. John of the Cross spent notable amounts of time here as well, and during one session of prayer, received a vision of Christ on the Cross from "above." The saint's drawing remains at the museum.
Oratory of St. John of the Cross (Oratorio de San Juan de la Cruz)
In 1591, St. John of the Cross died here, the site of a former monastery. Today, there is a chapel housing his relics (a hand and leg) and a museum related to his life.
St. Bernard Church (Iglesia de San Bernardo), Palencia
The fourteenth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1580. It is likely the original convent is no longer in existence, though a church remains.