This unusual, 12-sided church is located some way outside the walls of Segovia, but is actually much nearer than might at first appear. We walked to it by descending the steps into the valley from the Alcazar. But do check opening times before setting off! Entry is normally 2 Euro, but it’s usually free on Tuesdays between 1600 and 1800.
It was built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar, and was said once to have housed a relic of the true cross (hence its name) – but this has apparently been moved elsewhere. It has an inner temple – accessed by some worn, rather precarious, internal steps – where the knights are said to have performed their secret rites. Outside the rear of the church, up close and personal to its walls, cut into the rocky ground, are three or four empty shapes that presumably must once have served as graves.
Well worth a brief visit. If only stones could talk ….