Monasterio de la Santa Faz

On the outskirts of Alicante, in the Partida de la Santa Faz, this monastery guards one of the most venerated relics in the province: the Santa Faz (Holy Face), a cloth said by tradition to have wiped the face of Christ. It is a serene complex that blends monastic architecture with popular devotion, and the destination of one of the largest pilgrimages in the Valencian Community.

History and devotion

The monastery was built between the 15th and 17th centuries to house and venerate the relic. Around it grew an intense tradition that each year draws hundreds of thousands of people to la Peregrina, a pilgrimage that sets out from the city and follows the route to the sanctuary. It is one of Alicante's most distinctive acts of collective faith.

What to see

The interior combines the sobriety of monastic architecture with a richly decorated highlight: the Capilla del Camarín, in the Baroque style, adorned with frescoes that wrap the space where the relic is kept.

• The Capilla del Camarín and its Baroque decoration.
• The conventual complex and its quiet setting outside the city.
• The devotional atmosphere, especially intense around pilgrimage dates.

Tips for your visit

• Check opening hours before you go; they may vary by season.
• This is a place of worship: keep quiet and behave respectfully.
• If you visit during la Peregrina, expect large crowds and restricted access.