Basílica de Santa Teresa — Local services in Alba de Tormes

The Basilica of Saint Teresa of Jesus (Basílica de Santa Teresa de Jesús) is located in Alba de Tormes, a town in the province of Salamanca, Spain. It was built to honor Saint Teresa of Ávila, the famous Carmelite mystic and reformer who died in this town in 1582.

History and Architecture • Construction began in 1898, based on a Neo-Gothic design by architect Enrique María Repullés y Vargas. • The original plan included a Latin cross layout, three naves, a transept, a polygonal main chapel with an ambulatory, and numerous side chapels decorated with stained glass. • Work was halted in 1933 due to economic difficulties and political changes during the Spanish Second Republic. • In 2007, construction resumed under a revised design by Ricardo Pérez Rodríguez-Navas, emphasizing spiritual symbolism rather than completion of the original architectural vision. • However, the 2008 financial crisis caused the work to stop again in 2010, leaving the basilica incomplete but functional for worship and religious events.

Spiritual Importance

The basilica is part of the Camino Teresiano (Teresian Way), a pilgrimage route connecting major sites in Saint Teresa’s life, from Ávila to Alba de Tormes. Pilgrims come to the basilica to venerate the saint, whose body is buried in the town’s Discalced Carmelite convent.

Recent News • In March 2025, on the 510th anniversary of Saint Teresa’s birth, researchers unveiled a scientific reconstruction of her face, based on studies of her relics. The result shows a “harmonious, serene, and sweet” expression, created by experts from Italy and Australia. • In 2024, her tomb was opened for the first time since 1914. Her body was found to be incorrupt, astonishing even modern observers after more than...

Things to note about the Basilica de Santa Teresa: 1.) It has nothing to do with Saint Teresa of Avila currently, 2.) It was never finished and is only partially enclosed. 3.) The partially enclosed portion is used to exhibit art and is only open when there is an exhibition. The current exhibition is pottery and open Monday to Sunday from 10 to 13h and from 18 to 20h. It doesn't currently...

I don't know if the Basilica is closed on Mondays and that's why we couldn't see it or whether it's always closed. However, we were there to see the art exhibit,...