|
Museo de Arte Sacra (Sacred Art Museum)
The monastic community of Antealtares originated in the 9th century when, after the discovery of the Apostle’s remains, King Alfonso II founded, in the surroundings of the tomb, a monastery for Benedictine monks in order to look after and render worship to the relics of St. James.
This work, which, along with the liturgical service and taking care of the pilgrims, was the community’s main activity during centuries, resulted in the cultural heritage that is now partially housed in the Museum of Sacred Art. Inside, in addition to the original altar that was erected above St. James’ tomb by his disciples, we can see pieces such as a wonderful Christ from the 13th century that belonged to an old Romanesque church, a unique edition of the Rule of St. Benedict from 1610 or the silver reliquary where St. Palayo’s arm is kept. These pieces form part of an interesting collection of sculpture, painting, gold and silver articles, liturgical ornaments and documents based on Benedictine and Jacobean themes.
|
