Santuario de Santa Eulalia de Bóveda

In the town of Santa Eulalia de Bóveda, very close to the city of Lugo, is the sanctuary of Santa Eulalia de Bóveda, a historical monument dating from the 3rd century. This Roman building is one of the most characteristic in the whole of northern Spain, not only for its structure and location but also for its great historical value. It is currently considered an Asset of Cultural Interest and Historical Heritage of Spain, a title it was awarded years after it was discovered in 1926.

Although it is currently one of the most important monuments in the town of Santa Eulalia de Bóveda, due to its location this sanctuary was not discovered until less than a century ago. It is located underneath the parish church of this locality, so it was not until a parish priest found the place full of rubble that he made its existence known. 

A most characteristic sanctuary

If the sanctuary of Santa Eulalia is so architecturally valuable, it is because of its historical value and all the Roman structures that can be found inside. According to the different studies that have been carried out, this place served as a temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele, although according to experts it could also be related to a nymphaeum or even a bathing place. What is certain is that it once had a first floor, which was destroyed because of the Christian chapel that was located on the upper floor.

One of the most characteristic features of this sanctuary is the marvellous mural ensemble that can be found throughout its interior, where we can also find the columns and the central pool of the crypt. The latter originally served to house the blood of the Taurobolio, a rite in which a bull was sacrificed in order to proceed to a baptism with the animal's blood.