Iglesia Santa Marta de Tera

Key point on the Camino Sanabrés

The Santa Marta de Tera Church is located in the town of the same name, in the province of Zamora (Castilla y León). The building in question is a turning point in the Camino Sanabrés, marking both the starting point and the conclusion of the stages of this route. 

The Camino Sanabrés is one of the different routes that can be found on the Camino de Santiago, a detour within the Via de la Plata and ends joining the French Way, specifically in Astorga. This route within the Camino Sanabrés starts in the town of Granja de la Moreruela; continuing through the provinces of Zamora where we will find the Church of Santa Marta de Tera in the village of the same name; continuing with Ourense and A Coruña. We finish, as it could not be otherwise, in Santiago de Compostela. 

And why is the Church of Santa Marta de Tera so popular? It should be noted that the place has been the protagonist of all kinds of merchandising related to the Camino de Santiago, as well as magazines and books within the same theme. Part of the secret lies in the fact that it is the oldest sculpture of Santiago Apostle known to date. It is worth mentioning that it was even used on the 5 peseta coins of 1993. 

The history of the Church of Santa Marta de Tera

To locate the exact location of the Church of Santa Marta de Tera we have to go almost to the bank of the river Tera. At present, the temple is the parish of Santa Marta de Tera, being able to find it in the very center of the town. As we have already explained above, it is one of the most outstanding buildings within the Jacobean route, and as such it is not difficult to find certain curiosities and interesting facts. 

We travel to the tenth and eleventh centuries, key years in which there are a large number of donations to the monastery by nobles and monarchs. This puts Santa María de Tera on the map as one of the most outstanding areas of the country at the time. Its construction, according to experts, began in the year 1077; however, and according to several documents in the twelfth century underwent a major reform. Precisely this lapse of time between one construction and another has allowed to concentrate up to two different styles, between forms and figures. 

Among the curious facts that attract more and more visitors to the place, we highlight the phenomena that occur during the spring and autumn equinoxes. During them, the sunlight that enters through the oculus of the gable of the chevet spectacularly illuminates the capital of the saved soul.