The Vera Cruz Church is a remarkable and solitary landmark of Romanesque architecture in the Segovia neighborhood of Zamarramala. Built in 1208 by the Knights Templar, the ancient building is not a church so much as a shrine to the True Cross (Vera Cruz). Explore the two-story gallery where the knights would have watched over the holy shard of the True Cross and climb the tower to check out unbeatable city views.
As you approach the church, note its elegant and simple design. It is one of the best-preserved examples of this type in Europe. The 12-sided building’s architecture was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, where it is believed St. Helena discovered the True Cross in the 4th century. Admire the warm tones of the ancient stone walls and the modest Romanesque decorations.
Enter the building to find a round nave and the central gallery. While the inner chamber no longer protects the sacred piece of the True Cross, it is an intriguing place to explore and consider the ancient rites of the Templar Order. Examine the three semicircular chapels and the doorways adorned by columns and archivolts.
Climb the adjoining tower to see magnificent views of the Old Town of Segovia, as well as the Alcázar. See if you can spot the Segovia Aqueducts and the Segovia Cathedral. To find out more about the ancient relic of the True Cross, make your way to the nearby village church of Zamarramala.
Vera Cruz Church is approximately a 10-minute drive northwest of the city of Segovia. It is 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) from the city’s main railway station. It is open daily, except for Tuesday mornings and Mondays. Admission to the church is inexpensive and a discount is available for groups.
