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Church · Muxía, Galicia
Santuario da Virxe da Barca
Baroque sanctuary at the tip of the peninsula of Muxía, facing the sea, next to the rocking stones linked to the legend of the stone boat of the Virgem da Barca; rebuilt after a fire in 2013.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Santuario da Virxe da Barca
The sanctuary of the Virgem da Barca stands at the tip of the peninsula of Muxía, among the rocks and the ocean. According to legend, the apostle James was praying on this coast, discouraged by his preaching in Galicia, when he saw a stone boat arrive from the sea, with a stone sail, bringing the Virgin Mary to encourage him. When she left, the Virgin is said to have left the boat, the sail and the rudder there, which became the rocks of the coast.
The best-known rocks are the piedra de abalar, a large slab that rocks when stepped on at certain points, and the pedra dos cadrís, shaped like a sail, under which tradition says passing several times can relieve back pain. Scholars say the cult of these rocks predates Christianity.
The present sanctuary is Baroque, from the 18th century, with a facade facing the sea and a gilded altarpiece. At Christmas 2013, a lightning-caused fire destroyed the interior, and the restoration was completed in 2015.
The pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Barca, on the first Sunday after September 8, is a festival of national tourist interest. Near the sanctuary is the small lighthouse of the punta da Barca.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
At late afternoon, with low light over the rocks and the sea. On rough-sea days, keep away from the lower rocks.
How to get there
It is at the tip of the peninsula of Muxía, about a 10-minute walk from the village center, with parking nearby.
Tip
Look at the rocks from a distance first, from above: the shapes of a boat and a sail are clearer from farther away.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santuario da Virxe da Barca
What is the pedra de abalar?
A large slab of stone next to the sanctuary which, by tradition, is the boat of the Virgem da Barca and rocks when stepped on at certain points.
Was the sanctuary destroyed?
The interior was destroyed by a fire caused by a lightning strike on Christmas 2013. Restoration was completed in 2015.
When is the romería of the Virgem da Barca?
On the first Sunday after September 8.