Santuario de Santo André de Teixido, Catholic pilgrimage church in Santo André de Teixido, Cedeira, Spain
Santuario de Santo André de Teixido is a pilgrimage sanctuary perched on a cliff high above the Atlantic coast in Galicia, with sweeping views across the sea. The chapel comprises simple stone structures that blend into the dramatic landscape and is accompanied by a famous fountain with multiple spouts nearby.
Pilgrimages to the sanctuary were first documented in 1391, though spiritual practices at this site reach back to the Iron Age. Continuous veneration across centuries established it as one of the region's major pilgrimage destinations.
The sanctuary holds a local belief that those who fail to visit during life must return as animals after death. This conviction has shaped the pilgrimage experience for centuries and continues to draw visitors who wish to complete the ritual at the legendary saint's fountain.
The best time to visit is in September when the main annual pilgrimage occurs, though a smaller religious celebration also takes place in November. The location is exposed and can be windy and damp, so bring weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
Visitors follow an ancient tradition of drinking or touching their lips to water flowing from three separate spouts at the Saint's Fountain. This ritual has become so central to the pilgrimage experience that it reinforces the journey for many pilgrims across generations.
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