Iglesia de la Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross), Segovia

Located on a secluded road just outside the historic town the Church of the True Cross stands as a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. Designated as a National Monument, this splendid church was established in the 13th century by the Knights Templar. "Vera Cruz" translates to "True Cross," paying homage to the sacred relic associated with Christ's crucifixion.

This remarkable church features a nave with a dodecagonal (twelve-sided) floor plan, encircling a small central two-story shrine, known as an edicule. The original construction displays a Romanesque style transitioning towards Gothic, and subsequent additions include three apses, a semi-circular sacristy, and a square-shaped tower.

The architectural design of the church draws inspiration from the Roman baptisteries of early Christianity, particularly the Dome of the Rock and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Various Crusader Orders, including the Templars who were headquartered in the Holy Land, replicated this layout in their churches in different locations such as London, Paris (now demolished), Tomar, and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Torres del Río, Navarre.

The exterior wall of the church is constructed with ashlar stones, adorned with small semicircular arrow windows that allow light to permeate the interior. The structure is fortified with buttresses at its edges to provide structural support.

The tower of the Church of the True Cross features a square floor plan and a gable roof. Comprising four levels, the final level houses the bells and exhibits two semicircular arch windows on each side. The base of the tower is further reinforced with buttresses. Within the nave, remnants of the original mural decoration can still be seen, along with two niches—one dedicated to the patron saint of the Order of Malta, Our Lady of Philermo, and the other honoring the patron saint, Saint John the Baptist.

The centerpiece of the church is the edicule, a small two-story shrine situated in the center. Accessible through a double staircase leading to the lower floor, the main entrance is located beneath this staircase. The second floor of the edicule is crowned by a caliphal dome, featuring an altar adorned with Mudéjar decoration. The lower floor, marked by four pointed arches aligned with the cardinal points, is adorned with ribbed vaulting.

The Church of the True Cross holds religious ceremonies for the Knights of the Order of Malta, and its significance is underscored by the notable processions that take place, particularly the procession of Good Friday, which includes the solemn parade of the Lying Christ and the Lignum Crucis. During this procession, the Knights of the Order of Malta don black choir habits.

The Church of the True Cross welcomes the public from Tuesday to Sunday, opening its doors for exploration between 10 am and 1:30 pm, as well as from 4 pm to 6 pm (extended to 7 pm during the summer season). However, please note that the church remains closed on Mondays.