The Church of Santa Marta is a chapel located on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims arriving in the city on the Portuguese route will find this hidden treasure to welcome them and enrich their pilgrimage.
This is a small and ancient temple, made from granite stone. However, despite its size, it is very cozy and a perfect space to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in search of a moment of peace.
Upon entering the Church of Santa Marta, visitors are greeted by a simple but charming interior. The tabernacle occupies a prominent place as the spiritual center of the church, reminding us of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. However, the real jewel of this chapel is the figure of its patron saint, Santa Marta. This sculpture, which represents the saint, stands as a symbol of devotion and faith for those who visit it.
The simplicity of the construction does not detract from its beauty; on the contrary, its modesty makes it even more beautiful. Every detail, from the architectural elements to the liturgical objects, contributes to create an atmosphere of recollection and spirituality. The absence of excessive adornment allows visitors to concentrate on the essentials: their connection to the divine and their relationship with the church’s patroness.
Saint Martha, whose figure is venerated in this chapel, is a saint recognized for her faith and service to Christ. According to tradition, Martha was a Jewish woman who lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. She is known for her role in the Gospel, where her encounter with Jesus and his brother Lazarus is recounted.
It represents service and hospitality, qualities valued in the Christian tradition. Their role is recognized and their welcoming attitude is considered exemplary. Throughout history, Saint Martha has been venerated as a saint and patron saint of different aspects, such as servants, housekeepers, cooks, hoteliers and hospitality.
For those pilgrims who come to the temple, their visit becomes a special moment of connection with spirituality and devotion. In this modest but significant space, they find a refuge to renew their strength, raise their prayers and receive the necessary inspiration to give a final push to their journey to the Cathedral of Santiago.
The Church of Santa Marta teaches us that greatness is not found in size or opulence, but in humility and faith. This chapel, with its simplicity and patroness as a spiritual guide, invites us to reflect on the importance of finding beauty in simplicity and discovering the presence of the divine in every moment of our lives.
This temple celebrates masses from Monday to Saturday at 8:00 pm, Sundays and holidays at 11:30 am and on holiday eves at 8:00 pm.
