The monastery was originally founded in 1518, but the current building primarily reflects 18th-century baroque architecture.
The fortified tower was commissioned by Bishop Jerónimo de Peraza to protect the monastery's inhabitants from North African pirate incursions.
The Holy Face relic, known as the 'Santa Faz,' is believed by local tradition to be the cloth used by Veronica to wipe the face of Jesus during his journey to Calvary.
The Romería de Santa Faz pilgrimage is one of the oldest and most significant religious gatherings in the Valencian Community, dating back to the 15th century.
The cloth is kept in a specialized gold-adorned reliquary within the camarín, a small chapel designed for the veneration of sacred images.
Historical records indicate that the relic was brought to Alicante from Rome in the late 15th century by a Spanish priest.
The Santa Faz Monastery is a 16th-century religious complex located in the outskirts of Alicante, famous for housing a relic of the Holy Face. The site features a distinctive fortified tower built in 1537 to defend against Barbary pirate raids. The main church is designed in a baroque style, constructed in the 18th century to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. It serves as the destination for the 'Romería de Santa Faz,' an annual pilgrimage held on the second Thursday after Easter that attracts thousands of participants. The monastery complex includes an interior cloister and a dedicated museum space showcasing liturgical items and historical artifacts. The relic itself is preserved within a specialized camarin chapel behind the main altar. The monastery has undergone various architectural modifications since its inception to preserve its structural integrity and house the sacred relic. It remains an active religious site for both local worshippers and visitors interested in regional historical traditions.
The exterior courtyard looking back at the historic 16th-century defense tower.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid crowds and ensure a quiet environment for viewing the architecture.
Look for the external wall plaques that explain the history of the Romería pilgrimage.
Check local event calendars to avoid visiting on the day of the annual Romería, as access becomes extremely limited due to the influx of participants.
Do not attempt to walk from Alicante city center during the heat of summer, as the route is exposed and lengthy.
Very crowded during the Romería festival period; local religious observances may occasionally restrict access to the inner chapel.
Maintain silence inside the church, avoid taking flash photography of the altar, and dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees.
