Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad, Ourense, Spain
The historic Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad (Church of the Holy Trinity) in Ourense is a small yet architecturally significant church. Indeed, the church is the oldest of those preserved in Ourense.
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| The west gate of the church |
History
The origins of the church date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, with subsequent modifications in the Gothic and Baroque periods. Originally constructed as part of a monastic complex, the church was central to the spiritual life of the city. Over the centuries, it has served various functions, including a parish church and a place of worship for travelers and pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Its name, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, reflects its theological importance.
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| Doorway in the west façade |
Architecture
The Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad blends both Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, typical of churches in Galicia. The Romanesque foundation is evident in the simple, solid construction and semi-circular arches. The Gothic influence can be seen in the pointed arches of the windows and the ribbed vaults within the interior. A notable feature is the intricately carved main portal, which features religious motifs and geometric patterns. Its two cylindrical towers lend the church a certain air of a fortress, something it shares with the city's Cathedral.
The interior houses several notable altarpieces, including a Baroque high altar adorned with gilded carvings and religious iconography. On the side door of the church, opposite the old hospital, there is a scallop shell, the symbol of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
Linked to the church was a pilgrims' hospital, the Hospital de la Trinidad, which also dates back to the 12th century. The hospital possibly has links to the thermal springs in the area. It occupied the current parish house next to the church, on Calle Villar, where pilgrims arrived from the interior of Portugal or via the Vía de la Plata.
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| Vault of the main chapel |
Access
There are trains from Ourense-Empalme Railway Station to Santiago de Compostela (40 minutes), Zamora (1 hour, 20 minutes), Vigo (1 hour, 40 minutes), León (3 hours, 40 minutes) and Madrid (2 hours, 15 minutes from Chamartin). There are buses from Estación de Autobús de Ourense to Santiago de Compostela, Bilbao, Lugo, Pontevedra, Madrid, Oviedo and Vigo.
The budget Hotel Alda Ourense Estación near the railway station offers a buffet breakfast and has one star.
The Oca Imi Hotel & Spa offers 4-star accommodation with a spa & wellness center as well as a buffet breakfast.
The Hotel NH Ourense is a popular hotel in the city set in an historic restored, early 20th century building. Highlights include a fitness center, Italian furniture and modern design.
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| The Apse of the church |
Spain Related
Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador
Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza
Maps of Ourense
© Portugal Visitor.com
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