A new church for our ministry
Join us at San Félix de Solovio
The Church of San Félix de Solovio and its 14th century tympanum
Good news for those, both pilgrim and chaplain, who have complained about climbing the hill to Santa Susana, our church home for the past five years. For some pilgrims arriving in Santiago, it was one last hill too many. For some chaplains, the daily hike up the hill was hard on creaky knees. A move into the old city and a five minute, 450 meter walk from Casa Anglicana will be a welcome change for both.
Thanks to Bishop Carlos, the Archdiocesan Ecumenical Officer, and the Archbishop of Santiago, the Church of San Félix de Solovio, also known as San Fiz, will be the new church for our Anglican Pilgrim Ministry. It will also be the Santiago home of the Anglican Parish of the Spanish Episcopal Church.
A legendary location
Like Santa Susana, this church is mentioned in the Codex Calixtinus and has early pilgrim associations. Legend has it that this was the earliest Compostela church, and home to a hermit named Paio, who guided by a star, was able to discover the tomb containing the remains of Saint James. The pilgrim Leo of Rozmital (1465-1467) wrote in his diary “Outside, before the city there is Galician small church believed to be built by Saint James and where he lived when he preached in Galicia.”
The San Félix reredos and the busy Praza de San Fiz de Solovio
Historians date the original church on this location to the 9th century. Damaged during the Moorish invasions, it was rebuilt around 1122. A porch and polychromed Tympanum of the Adoration of the Magi was added in 1316. The tower was added several centuries later. The interior has a fine baroque reredos.
Close to the Mercado Abastos
While we will miss Santa Susana, its Baroque reredos and it’s lovely Alameda Park setting, our new central location next to the Mercado Abastos food market will allow us to better serve our pilgrims. Stop by and see this beautiful historic church. Better yet, join us at one of our daily pilgrim services.
