Church of Santa Engracia de Zaragoza, Zaragoza

The Church of Santa Engracia stands as a symbol of faith and martyrdom, with roots that trace back to the early days of Christianity.

Legend holds that this basilica church was constructed on the very spot where Saint Engratia and her companions suffered martyrdom in the year 303 AD. It was here that the seeds of Christianity were sown, amid the challenges and persecutions faced by its early followers. In the early fourth century, a tomb was erected on this sacred ground, which once served as a Christian-Roman necropolis, to commemorate the memory of the martyred saints.

Around the year 609, the Abbey of Santa Engracia was founded to enshrine the revered relics of Saint Engratia and the multitude of martyrs from Saragossa. This sacred place became a sanctuary for those seeking solace and spiritual reflection. However, the story of this place of worship is one of transformation and change. In 1492, the abbey was dismantled under the patronage of Ferdinand II of Aragon, who founded the Hieronymus Monastery of Santa Engracia.

Over the centuries, this basilica has witnessed the presence of esteemed figures. Pope Hadrian VI made a stop at Santa Engracia on his way to Rome, where he celebrated Holy Week. In 1599, King Philip III graced this sacred place with his visit, adding to its historical importance. The church and its monastic structures faced a significant challenge during the Siege of Saragossa in 1809, as part of the Spanish War of Independence. Tragically, most of the monastery church was destroyed during this turbulent period, leaving only the crypt and the façade.

Nevertheless, the spirit of resilience and renewal has always been inherent in the story of Santa Engracia. Pope John Paul II honored this revered church during his visit in 1982, designating it as a minor basilica. The intricate façade, characterized by its architectural grandeur, reflects the work of Gil Morlanes El Viejo, who commenced its construction around 1511. The façade was later modified between 1754 and 1759 following the collapse of a part of the church.