San Roque Church and Fountain
Historic 16th-century plague hospital transformed into a Baroque church, offering pilgrim stamps and a tale of Saint Roch.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
San Roque Church and Fountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 16th-century plague hospital transformed into a Baroque church, offering pilgrim stamps and a tale of Saint Roch.
"A historic hospital and church offering a pilgrim stamp and a fascinating story of Saint Roch."
Pilgrim Stamp Available
Don't miss the chance to get your pilgrim passport stamped here! :passport_control:
Check Mass Schedule
Mass times can be inconsistent; verify before attending. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pilgrim Stamp Opportunity
Get your pilgrim passport stamped at this historic site, a crucial step for many on the Camino.
Renaissance Facade
Exterior
Admire the 16th-century Renaissance facade attributed to Gaspar de Arce, a testament to historical architecture.
Baroque Church Interior
Church
Explore the Baroque-style church, featuring an important altarpiece by Simón Rodríguez.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Pilgrim's Stamp and a Saint's Story
Historical Significance & Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Things to do when I arrive in Santiago de Compostela tomorrow
Pilgrim Stamp Available
Don't miss the chance to get your pilgrim passport stamped here! :passport_control:
Check Mass Schedule
Mass times can be inconsistent; verify before attending. :calendar:
TIL You can walk on top of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
What to do in Santiago?
Fascinating History
Learn about its origins as a plague hospital and the legend of Saint Roch. :scroll:
Facade Needs Cleaning
Note that the exterior facade could benefit from cleaning. :window:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pilgrim Stamp Available
Don't miss the chance to get your pilgrim passport stamped here! :passport_control:
Check Mass Schedule
Mass times can be inconsistent; verify before attending. :calendar:
Fascinating History
Learn about its origins as a plague hospital and the legend of Saint Roch. :scroll:
Facade Needs Cleaning
Note that the exterior facade could benefit from cleaning. :window:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find San Roque Church and Fountain to be a historically significant site, particularly noted for its past as a plague hospital and its connection to Saint Roch. The opportunity to get a pilgrim stamp is a major draw for those on the Camino. While the architecture is appreciated, some mention the facade could use cleaning and that mass schedules can be unreliable.
"Mass on the third Sunday of the month is supposed to be in Latin, this is confirmed by a sign on the door. However it wasn't, so I left. The priest is also quite insistent on everyone wearing a mask despite this not being required in Spain for quite sometime."
Lucas clover alcole
"It’s a really nice and good looking church. You can actually get a stamp from it."
shiyi Bin
"Former Hospital and Church of San Roque
HOSPITAL 16th century
At the top of Rúa das Rodas, where Rúa de San Roque begins, we find this building, originally from the 16th century and transformed in the 18th century. It was built for healthcare purposes due to the plague epidemics of the 16th century, and dedicated to Saint Roch, as he was one of the saints most often evoked to protect against the disease. From the 16th century, it retains the Renaissance façade attributed to Gaspar de Arce. Its structure has a rectangular floor plan and a two-gallery cloister.
CHURCH 18th century. Baroque
Forming a complex with the hospital is the Church of San Roque, also rectangular in plan and Baroque in style. Its interior houses one of Simón Rodríguez's most important altarpieces."
Marcos Carrizo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Roque Church and Fountain is located at the top of Rúa das Rodas, where Rúa de San Roque begins. It's a walkable distance from the city center, making it easily accessible for pilgrims and tourists exploring Santiago de Compostela. :walking:
Yes, this historic site is often visited by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, particularly those on the French Way. It served as a pilgrim hospital in the past. :hiking_boot:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the church and its grounds is generally free, though donations are always appreciated. :moneybag:
Opening hours can vary, especially for mass. It's best to check locally or look for signs on the door. Some visitors have noted inconsistencies with scheduled services. :clock1:
Yes, a significant draw for pilgrims is the opportunity to get their passport stamped at San Roque Church. :passport_control:
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Originally built in the 16th century as a hospital to combat plague epidemics, it was dedicated to Saint Roch, the patron saint invoked against such diseases. It was transformed in the 18th century into the Baroque church you see today. :medical_history:
The complex showcases both a 16th-century Renaissance facade, attributed to Gaspar de Arce, and an 18th-century Baroque church. The structure includes a rectangular floor plan and a two-gallery cloister. :building_construction:
Saint Roch is known as the patron saint of dogs and lepers. His legend tells of him curing lepers and miraculously recovering from the plague himself, aided by his dog. :dog:
The interior of the church is Baroque in style and houses one of Simón Rodríguez's most important altarpieces. :art:
The church does hold services, but one visitor noted that a scheduled Latin mass did not occur as advertised. It currently houses the brotherhood of the Virgin of Montserrat. :pray:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the Renaissance facade from the street and the details of the Baroque altarpiece inside the church. The cloister area also offers interesting architectural shots. :camera:
Photography is generally allowed inside churches, but it's always respectful to be discreet and avoid flash, especially during services. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Pilgrims on the Camino
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of San Roque: From Plague Hospital to Sacred Space
Over time, the building underwent significant transformations, most notably in the 18th century, when it was converted into the Baroque church that stands today. This evolution reflects the changing needs and religious practices of Santiago de Compostela. The church's interior now houses a significant altarpiece by Simón Rodríguez, showcasing the artistic flair of the Baroque period. The site also holds a special place for the brotherhood of the Virgin of Montserrat, continuing its legacy as a place of devotion and community gathering.
Beyond its architectural and historical significance, the story of Saint Roch himself adds a layer of fascination. Known as the patron saint of dogs and lepers, his legend of healing and devotion, particularly the tale of his dog bringing him sustenance, resonates deeply. This blend of historical function, religious art, and compelling saintly lore makes San Roque a unique stop for visitors.
Pilgrim's Essentials: Stamps and Solace
Historically, the site served as a pilgrim hospital, offering refuge and care to those undertaking the arduous journey. This legacy of providing solace and support continues in its current form, even if the nature of the 'care' has shifted from medical to spiritual and historical. Visitors often find a sense of peace and reflection within its walls, a moment to pause and absorb the atmosphere of this ancient city.
While the church is a place of worship, it's worth noting that practical aspects like mass schedules can sometimes be inconsistent, as experienced by some visitors. However, the overall experience of visiting San Roque is often described as positive, with its historical depth and the unique pilgrim stamp opportunity making it a memorable stop.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit