In the mountainous area of the Terra de Celanova comarca, in the Galician province of Ourense, there is a unique place where faith, history, and nature merge. This is the Santuario de Nosa Señora das Marabillas in the municipality of Cartelle. Despite its modest exterior, this Baroque temple impresses with its scale and deep symbolism, serving as one of the key centers of religious life in the region. The complex is surrounded by an extensive recreation area, making it a popular destination for both spiritual retreat and family leisure.
The history of the sanctuary dates back to 1646. According to legend, it was at that time that the Virgin Mary appeared three times to a local shepherd girl. In her visions, she asked for a church to be built on this site. Since then, the place has attracted believers from all over Galicia. The legend of these miraculous apparitions has established the sanctuary as one of the most important Marian sites in Spain, and its fame has spread far beyond the region. The name of the sanctuary, which translates as “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wonders,” reflects its mystical origins.
The sanctuary’s main event is the annual pilgrimage (romería), which takes place on Whit Monday. On this day, thousands of believers gather here to participate in a solemn procession. The procession moves from the church to a nine-meter granite cross, erected at the top of a hill standing 438 meters above sea level. From this point, there is a panoramic view of the Arnoia river valley (río Arnoia), giving the ceremony a special atmosphere. This tradition, passed down through generations, is a vivid example of Galicia’s enduring popular religiosity.
The church itself, built in the 18th century, is a striking example of restrained Galician Baroque. The building is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross, crowned by a dome with a lantern above the transept, and its façade is adorned with a two-tiered tower. A statue of the Virgin Mary sits in a niche above the main entrance. But it’s not just the architecture that attracts visitors. The sanctuary is surrounded by an ancient oak grove known as the carballeira (carballeira). Some of the trees here are so old and massive that their grandeur rivals that of the church itself, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and architecture.
In addition to the main church, the complex also features a small modern chapel for outdoor services, a fountain, a children’s playground, a soccer field, and picnic areas with tables and benches. All of this makes the sanctuary an ideal venue for public celebrations and religious events. An interesting cultural aspect is the dual spelling of its name: “Maravillas” in Castilian and “Marabillas” in Galician. This highlights the unique cultural identity of this spiritual site in the very heart of Ourense.
