Religious site
Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, Segovia
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The Iglesia de la Vera Cruz is one of Segovia's most unusual and evocative churches, built in a dodecagonal (twelve-sided) shape that immediately sets it apart from typical Romanesque structures. Located just outside the city walls near the Alcázar, this small church was consecrated in 1208 and is closely associated with the Knights Templar, who likely used it for their rites. The exterior is austere, built of local stone with a simple bell gable, but the interior reveals a two-story design: a central circular sanctuary surrounded by an ambulatory, with a small chapel above. The geometric purity of the space creates a contemplative atmosphere, and the lack of elaborate decoration emphasizes the architectural form. Visitors often comment on the sense of mystery and history that pervades the site, especially when sunlight filters through the small windows.
Don't miss
- The unique dodecagonal floor plan, rare in Romanesque architecture
- The two-story interior with a central sanctuary and upper chapel
- The connection to the Knights Templar and Crusader history
- The serene setting with views of the Alcázar and the Eresma River valley
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, Segovia
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGuided visit "Meet the Lady of the Cathedrals" / Guided Visit to Cathedral4.8★ · 21 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →
Best full dayAvila & Segovia Tour with Tickets to Monuments from Madrid4.8★ · 11,251 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$92 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleSegovia from the Aqueduct to the Alcazar: A Self-Guided Audio Tour4.6★ · 12 travelers~1 hoursFrom$10 per personSee dates →More attractions in Segovia