Santa María de A Franqueira: from Monastery to Marian Shrine

Abstract

This research studies a Benedictine monastery, Santa María de A Franqueira, probably with roots in the High Middle Ages that was converted into a very important Marian shrine. This monastery was rebuilt in 1293, under the episcopate of Juan Fernández de Sotomayor I and it was affiliated to the Cistercian order, during the episcopate of Juan Fernández de Sotomayor II and not, as previously thought, in the latter part of 13^th century. The building was finished in 1342, and this date appears in an inscription under the tympanum. Gonzalo was the abbot who began and finished the construction; as developer of the building works, he put his own portrait in an image of the Epiphany. The frequent repetition of Sotomayor heraldic emblems shows the support that this monastery received from this lineage, especially important donations at the end of the 14^th century. Its afiiliation to the Cistercian order is perhaps due to the relationship that some members of this lineage had with the Cistercian monastery of Melón, when Benedictine monasteries were in complete decadence. It is dated between 1421, when the Bishop of Tui confirmed the new abbot of this still Benedictine monastery, and 1435, when it does not appear as a monastery of this order (bull of Boniface VIII), so it must be Cistercian. Furthermore, the analysis of the 14^th century Gothic style, proves its similarity with the works of the Orensanian style, from the Dominican convent of Ribadavia and not with the artwork of the neighbouring monasteries of Oseira or Melón, which are more reticent with imagery. Devotion to the Virgin Mary is repeated throughout the shrine, as is common in all the churches that receive pilgrims looking for eternal salvation.