La Vera Cruz Church, Religious monument in San Marcos district, Segovia, Spain
La Vera Cruz is a church building in the San Marcos district of Segovia, Spain. The structure follows a twelve-sided plan surrounding a central two-story shrine, with three apses and a square tower that houses the bells.
The Order of the Holy Sepulchre built this place in 1208, though local stories credit the Knights Templar with its founding. The building later passed through the hands of different religious orders before being transferred to the Knights of Malta in the 19th century.
The walls inside preserve fragments of medieval paintings that remain visible today, reflecting the devotional traditions of the building. The high altar displays a Gothic altarpiece from 1516 showing scenes from the life of Christ, which still draws the attention of worshippers and visitors alike.
The Knights of Malta hold regular religious services here, with special ceremonies taking place during Good Friday celebrations each spring. Visitors can explore the interior but should respect ongoing worship and wear appropriate clothing when entering the building.
The building housed a wooden fragment believed to be from the cross of Jesus Christ until 1692, drawing pilgrims who came to venerate the relic. The fragment was then moved to the parish church of Zamarramala, a nearby village outside the city walls.
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