Gothic-style church built in the second half of the 14th century under the patronage of Fernán Pérez de Andrade, who rebuilt an earlier monastery dating from the 12th century. It was declared a National Monument in 1919 and later designated a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC). Inside, the main chapel features a relief depicting God enthroned and surrounded by the four Evangelists. Angels playing different instruments, one of them a bagpipe, appear on the ribs of the vault, along with capitals decorated with fantastic animals. Particularly noteworthy is the extensive collection of sarcophagi belonging to various members of the Andrade family. The tomb of Fernán Pérez de Andrade, considered a precursor of medieval funerary sculpture, originally stood in the main chapel next to that of his wife Doña Sancha, but was moved in 1782 to the foot of the church beneath the choir. The sarcophagus is raised above the ground on the Andrade family’s symbolic animals, a bear and a wild boar, with the family coat of arms at the head and foot, hunting scenes of wild boar along the sides, and the recumbent figure of Andrade portrayed in armor in a resting position.
Betanzos Monumental Route
Route through the historic centre of Betanzos, discovering its main monuments, squares and charming corners.
Church and Convent of San Francisco
14th-century Gothic temple declared a BIC, with extraordinary tombs of the Andrade family and rich sculptural decoration.
Porta da Vila
Former medieval gate of Betanzos, also known as the Royal Gate, decorated with the coats of arms of Galicia, Castile and León, and the city.
Constitution Square
Historic square in Betanzos featuring the Town Hall, the Clock Tower, the Church of Santiago and several medieval palaces.
Church of Santiago
15th-century church transitioning from Romanesque to Gothic, linked to Fernán Pérez de Andrade and the Way of Saint James.
Church of Santa María do Azogue
14th–15th century Gothic church with Flemish altarpieces, mural paintings and tombs of medieval Betanzos society.
Church and Convent of San Francisco
14th-century Gothic temple declared a BIC, with extraordinary tombs of the Andrade family and rich sculptural decoration.
Christ Gate
Medieval gate of Betanzos’ historic centre, also known as Porta da Ribeira or Porta de Paio Fermoso, built in the 15th century.
Convent of the Augustinian Recollects
17th–18th century convent with a 16th-century cloister, historic coats of arms and valuable altarpieces from the Compostela School.
Old Bridge Gate
15th-century medieval gate that preserves the portcullis guides and served as a control point for the weights of market goods.