The Sanctuary
We invite you to discover the fascinating history of the Sanctuary of “Nuestra Señora de la Barca,” a truly special place on Galicia’s Costa da Morte. Although today you admire it in its imposing baroque form, its origins date back to a much more distant past. In fact, the historian José Enrique Rivadulla Porta places its foundation in the 12th century, with the first documentary references in 1544, where a pre-existing chapel was already mentioned.
Place of Worship
This first chapel, probably in Romanesque style, was the basis of the current construction. It was at the beginning of the 18th century, at the suggestion of Archbishop Fray Antonio de Monroy and thanks to the support of figures such as the Counts of Frigiliana and Maceda, when the church you see today was erected. Its design, with a Latin cross floor plan and remarkable dimensions, stands out for the sobriety of its elements, which is curious as it was built in the middle of the Baroque period.
The Virgin of A Barca
The history of the Shrine is also an example of resilience. At Christmas 2013, a devastating fire caused by lightning ravaged the building, destroying its valuable main altarpiece. However, thanks to the joint effort of the Archbishopric of Compostela and the Xunta de Galicia, the sanctuary underwent a thorough rehabilitation and reopened its doors in May 2015. Now, it has a renovated niche that allows you to get a closer view of the image of the Virgin and makes it easier to light your candles.
Legend
To visit the Sanctuary of A Barca is to immerse yourself in centuries of history, legends and deep devotion. It is an essential stop if you finish the Camino de Santiago in Fisterra and Muxía, and a memorable experience for anyone looking for the essence of Galicia. We invite you to feel the particular energy of this unique place, which has also been designated as a landmark Jubilee church for the Roman Holy Year 2025.