The Museum of Sacred Art is located in the monastery of San Paio de Antealtares, located near the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, whose origin dates back to the 11th century.
King Alfonso II founded the temple after the discovery of the remains of the Apostle, for the Benedictine monks to guard and worship the relics of St. James.
The Museum of Sacred Art of San Paio de Antealtares is privately owned and depends on the Benedictine Community of San Paio de Antealtares.
The collection includes pieces of sacred, liturgical and devotional art, linked to this monastery where the oldest monastic community in the city resided. Today, this museum space houses the legacy of all this liturgical service and attention to pilgrims throughout history.
The exhibition offered by the center features a large collection of documentary works, sculptures, paintings and gold and silver work. The nuns have been responsible for the custody and conservation of this cultural heritage over the centuries.
Precious metals dating back to the 15th century, the archive on monastic life and liturgical vestments dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries are preserved.
Among the most outstanding pieces in the collection are the ‘Christ of the 13th century’ from the old Romanesque church, the ‘Rule of St. Benedict’, dated 1610, and the ancient altar of St. James the Apostle, consisting of a marble altar and a semi-cylindrical foot.
In the sculpture section there is an exhibition with various representations of the Virgin Mary, while in the painting section there is a series of oil paintings with religious themes, mostly related to the Benedictine order.
The hours of access and visit to the museum are from Monday to Saturday, between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm and between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. On Sundays, entry is allowed between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
