The Church of Santa María de Cambre, located in Cambre near A Coruña
Site Details:
The Church of Santa María de Cambre, located in Cambre near A Coruña, is a significant Romanesque monument dating back to the 12th century. It was built on the foundations of a Benedictine monastery, which itself was founded during the early medieval period. The monastery was a prominent center in its time and was donated to the Monastery of Antealtares in Santiago de Compostela in 932 CE, marking its importance in the region's religious history.
The church features a cruciform plan and distinct Romanesque architectural elements, such as rounded arches and intricate capitals depicting biblical scenes and natural motifs. Its location along historical pilgrimage routes, possibly tied to the Way of St. James, further enhances its cultural and spiritual significance.
As for pre-Christian origins, while there is no direct evidence of pagan worship at the site, the region around Cambre has long-standing pre-Roman and Roman settlements. Archaeological remains, including nearby Roman structures and burial sites, suggest continuous habitation and spiritual practices predating Christianity. However, no specific link between the church's location and pre-Christian rituals has been documented
The area’s history of Roman settlement and potential earlier indigenous use raises intriguing possibilities about the continuity of sacred spaces, as often occurred in Europe when Christian buildings were established on sites of older traditions.
Near Cambre, the most notable and accessible Iron Age hillforts (castros) include several sites that reflect the region’s rich castreña heritage. Key options are:
Castro de Elviña (A Coruña): Located about 11 km from Cambre, this site is one of the largest in Galicia, covering approximately 4 hectares and featuring substantial defensive walls. It was occupied between the 3rd century BCE and 4th century CE. Elviña is well-preserved, and its archaeological significance makes it a must-visit for Iron Age history
Castromaior (Cambre): Situated directly in Cambre, this is one of several smaller hillforts in the area. It represents a typical defensive settlement with an oval-shaped enclosure and terraced fortifications. While not excavated, surface finds include ceramics and tools
Castro de Sigrás: Another site in Cambre, this castro also showcases typical Iron Age defensive features. It is less developed for visitors but retains historical interest
The Castro de Elviña is the most accessible site, especially this time of year, due to its location near A Coruña and established visitor amenities. It offers the best combination of Preservation, historical context, and accessibility.
Copper alloy brooch. Hod Hill brooch, Mackreth type HOD HILL 4.b3. A small bifurcated head is rolled forward to retain pin gear [lost]. An uppermost part of the strip below this bears a single transverse rib. Below this, a nearly square plate has four vertical ribs and small waisted wings. The lower bow is moulded […]
Copper alloy brooch fragment. Cast lower bow and unpierced catch plate from a bow brooch with a narrow rounded bow, possibly a Colchester brooch, Mackreth type C 2. Suggested date: Early Roman, 43-75Length: 26.2mm, Width: 3.3mm, Thickness (bow): 2.7mm, Weight: 2.21gms
Copper alloy coin. Possibly an as indeterminate, Early Roman issue of 43-200, with drilled hole near edge at 10 O’clock[?] obverse.Obverse description: bust probably rightReverse description: possibly a figure.Diameter: 24mm, Weight: 4.82gms, die axis: possibly 12
The Church of Santa María de Cambre, located in Cambre near A Coruña, is a significant Romanesque monument dating back to the 12th century. It was built on the foundations of a Benedictine monastery, which itself was founded during the early medieval period. The monastery was a prominent center in its time and was donated to the Monastery of Antealtares in Santiago de Compostela in 932 CE, marking its importance in the region's religious history.
