Basilica of St. Martin, Foz, Spain Verified listing

Basilica of St. Martin, Foz, Spain

The Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo is in Foz, Galicia, Spain. Indeed, it stands as the oldest cathedral in the country. Over time, it has played a vital role in religious history. In the ninth century, two bishops made this basilica their seat, which established its importance in the church hierarchy. Although the church’s origins go back further, builders constructed the current Romanesque structure in the late eleventh century. Later, workers added buttresses in the eighteenth century to strengthen and protect the building.

Mass takes place regularly at the basilica. Services happen at 5:00 PM on Sundays and public holidays. Moreover, the community holds Mass at the Capela do Carme on the first Tuesday of each month. Visitors can tour the basilica during set hours, which vary by season. From Palm Sunday to September 30th, it opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM and again from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On Sundays, visiting hours shorten to 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The basilica closes on Mondays during this time. However, in winter, visiting hours reduce to Wednesday through Sunday with shorter afternoons. Additionally, it remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Inside, the Parish Museum displays valuable artifacts, including the crosier and ring of Saint Gonzalo along with twelfth-century murals. Visitors can view these treasures during their tours. Guided tours run daily in summer and by appointment in winter. Therefore, visitors have many opportunities to explore the basilica’s rich cultural and religious heritage. In summary, the Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo remains a cherished landmark where centuries of faith and history continue to thrive.

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