The Igrexa de Santa María do Azougue's remarkable history

Betanzos, the medieval town, takes pride in its historic churches, but one rises above the others, overshadowed by a rich past and a hidden crypt. The Igrexa de Santa María do Azougue made its mark six centuries ago when Count Fernán Peres de Andrade the Fat started its construction. The Count and his successor, Fernán Pérez de Andrade the Younger, were deeply involved in the church's creation, constructing it using the Gothic style. The church's basilica-style plan and five transepts are distinctive, with the central nave wider than the lateral ones.

The main altar contains Gothic statues of the life of Christ. The church's hidden crypt was discovered during recent restoration works, painted with frescoes that date back to the time of the original construction. The discovery of the crypt and the theft of the statues are past events, but the Igrexa de Santa María do Azougue continues to intrigue visitors to this day.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons