Santa Maria de A Franqueira

The Cañiza (Pontevedra)

The ancient Cistercian monastery of Santa María de A Franqueira, in A Cañiza, is one of the great pilgrimage centers of southern Galicia, famous for its "As Pascuillas" romaneries in Pentecost.

Origin and history

The tradition speaks of ancient origins, even of the 6th century linked to Saint Martin of Dumio, and of the apparition of the image under rocks, found by a neighbor; they are legendary stories. The documented story indicates that the temple was raised by the lords of Sobroso in the 13th century for the Cistercian monks (with incorporation into the Cyster in 1293); the church dates from the late 13th and mid-14th century.

It is one of the great pilgrimage centers of southern Galicia. The "As Pascuillas" romaneries, on the Monday of Pentecost, stand out when several parishes come up with their images and celebrate the major mass; and that of September 8, Nativity of Mary.

Formal patronage and canonical coronation: not found in the sources.