Iglesia de Santa María a Nova
About This Museum
Tucked away in the historic town of Noia, the Iglesia de Santa María a Nova isn't your typical museum; it's a sacred space that doubles as a stunningly unique open-air archive of the everyday medieval Galician. The real draw here is underfoot and along the walls, where history feels immediate and tangible. It’s a place that speaks not of kings and battles, but of fishermen, merchants, and families.
Collection Highlights
The church's main collection is its floor, paved with over 600 'lápidas de ánimas'—stone funerary slabs from the 14th to 16th centuries carved with symbols of the deceased's trade: scissors for tailors, ships for sailors. Inside, you'll find simple wooden altarpieces and a collection of Gothic stone sculptures that feel refreshingly unpretentious.
Visitor Information
You'll likely have the place mostly to yourself, which makes wandering among these ancient stones an incredibly peaceful, almost meditative experience. Just be sure to check opening hours in advance as they can be seasonal.
Architecture & Building
A humble yet beautiful example of Galician Gothic architecture, with its characteristic clean lines and a single nave, built from the local granite that gives it a timeless, weathered look.
Contact & Location
Address: Rúa do Ferreiro, O Obre, Noia, A Coruña, Galicia, 15200, España
Phone: +34 981 84 21 00
