The church of Santa Marta de Tera constitutes one of the main historical and artistic values of the cultural heritage of the province of Zamora.

In 1996, it was discovered that a magic phenomenon occurs in this monastery: On the equinoxes of spring and autumn, the capital of the saved soul is illuminated by the sunlight that enters through the oculus of the gable of the head. An event that each year concentrates more visitors.

Only the Romanesque church with a Latin cross plan, with a single nave with three sections, is preserved from the old monastery. Two sculptures of San Pedro and Santiago from the 12th century stand out on the outside. The asymmetry of its covers, gable, south side in the second section and north side in cruise are surprising. This church has a significant number of significant capitals on the south portal, in the transept and head, especially in the presbytery, with the iconographic ensemble of the highest plastic quality and highest meaning of the church. The cornices and trimmings of the eaves and arches are decorated with banknotes, while that of the capitals has variety, reproducing cut-out leaves, angels and saints, linked stems and human heads.
This temple is an important Jacobean enclave, which marks the beginning and end of one of the stages of the Camino Sanabrés to Santiago, a branch from the Vía de la Plata. But the real protagonist of Santa Marta de Tera, who has been the cover of countless books, prints, postcards and all kinds of Jacobean iconography and merchandising, is the sculpture of the Apostle Santiago with a round package. Considered by most scholars to be the oldest known pilgrim Santiago representation that served as a model for the iconography of the 1993 5 pesetas coins.

Image gallery

Image gallery

Historical Data

Architecture
Religious architecture
Construction
Church
Predominant styles
Romanesque
Historical Period
Middle Ages

When to visit it?

Opening hours

  • From March 18 to September 30:
    • From Wednesday to Sunday: 9:15 AM - 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Tuesday: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Closed: Monday
    • Closed in the morning: Tuesday
  • From October 1 to November 30:
    • Tuesday: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    • From Wednesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Closed: Monday
    • Closed in the morning: Tuesday
  • From December 1 to March 28:
    • Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturdays, Sundays and Public holidays

Taxes

1 €

Observations: With a 1 euro donation for admission to the Church of Santa Marta, you can also visit the permanent exhibition at the Museo del Camino, located next to the church. For long weekends, holidays, and equinoctial light, please call the following number: 626 752622. From March 20 to 24, 2025, the church will open at 8:30 a.m. to view the equinoctial light phenomenon, until approximately 10 a.m.

This portal is not responsible for possible changes in the schedules and rates reflected

Get to know the surroundings

Within a radius of

    Address and map location

    • Postal address Santa Marta de Tera (Camarzana de Tera). NaN. Zamora
    • Phones
      980 649 006 (Ayto)
    How to arrive
    Around
    Where to sleep
    Where to eat

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    Tourist information

    • Camarzana de Tera town hall

      Address
      To know more

    • Zamora tourism office

      Address
      To know more