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History
The Church of Our Lady of the Pilgrims (Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina) dates from the 18th century. Construction began in 1778 and finished in 1792. The architectural styles are Baroque and Neoclassical. The ground plan of the church is a shell; the symbol of the Camino de Santiago, and from the outside it appears to be a round building.
The church facade displays statues of Mary, Joseph, and James. The three statues are dressed as pilgrims.
In the church, there is a 19th-century statue of Mary.
On 10 December 1925 and 15 February 1926, there were apparitions of Mary at the Convent of the Apparitions, where the seer of Fatima, Lúcia, worked and lived.
Pilgrimage site
The city of Pontevedra has approximately 85,000 inhabitants. The sanctuary of the Virgin of the Pilgrims attracts many visitors daily.
The church is one of the most important buildings in the city. It's the only church in Spain with a circular shape.
The Virgin of the Pilgrims is the patron saint of the province of Pontevedra. It is a large statue that stands in a niche above the altar.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Church of La Peregrina (Pilgrim's Church) is located in the city centre.
Address: Praza de Peregrina 5, 36001 Pontevedra.
Current information can be found at www.cofradiavirgenperegrina.com.
Experience
In the middle of the city stands a round church, and that is the church of pilgrims who travel, among other places, to Santiago de Compostela. A church as a round building is quite a rarity. I linger for a long time at the high altar with the statue of grace. Viewing the paintings is more than worthwhile. Afterwards, I take another walk around and again enjoy the splendour.
After visiting the rotunda church, I will go to the Sanctuary of the Apparitions. This refers to the convent of the Sisters of “Dorotheas”, where Sister Lucia, the seer of Fátima in 1917, lived and worked. Lucia said that the Immaculate Heart of Mary appeared with the Child Jesus. In the convent, I will be given a tour by a nun and will visit a chapel, as well as the room of the apparitions. Mary has been here, and perhaps she is here now too. Afterwards, I will sit down on a bench and enter into prayer to Our Lady.
The monastery is open Tuesday to Sunday.
The monastery is located at Rúa Sor Lucia 3, 36002 Pontevedra.
Current information can be found at www.santuariodelasapariciones.org.
Afterwards, I visit the Basilica de Santa Maria at Av. Santa Maria 24, 36002 Pontevedra. It has very beautiful effigies of Our Lady. The high altar is magnificent with a splendid effigy of the Virgin Mary in the centre.
The basilica was built in 1559.
Environment
In Pontevedra there is plenty to see and do. Churches, chapels, museums, shops and cafés.
Besides the Pilgrims' Church, there is also the convent with the Apparition Chapel, where Sister Lucia, seer of Fatima in 1917, lived and worked.
The basilica can also be visited, where many statues and paintings can be seen.
Travelling from the Spanish pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela to Pontevedra means travelling 60 km south.
From the pilgrim site of Muxía, on the Spanish coast, departing to travel to Pontevedra, involves going 124 km to the southeast.
From the Portuguese pilgrimage site of Peneda to Pontevedra is to travel 98 km to the northwest.
Departing from the Portuguese city of Porto to get to Pontevedra involves driving 170 km north.
Posted: 2 April 2024
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