The 18th century neoclassical and baroque church in Manresa stands as the entrance to a natural cave of great spiritual importance, known as the Coveta. This sacred place witnessed the stay of St. Ignatius of Loyola for eleven months in 1522, marking a crucial period in his life and, we could also say, the birth of the Society of Jesus. The spiritual experience lived by St. Ignatius in the Coveta was the origin of his influential work, the Spiritual Exercises, as depicted in a 17th century alabaster altarpiece created by Joan Grau, which is preserved on the site.
The present complex, built over the cave, consists of the 18th century Sanctuary and the International Ignatian Spirituality Center, built in the early 20th century. The church has a single nave decorated in baroque style, with neo-Byzantine-inspired mosaics y Centro Aletti, stained glass windows and alabaster altarpieces of great artistic value. The architectural design, such as the wide passageway called Avantcova, and the works of artists such as Flotats and Llimona, contribute to create an atmosphere that reflects the deep spiritual connection of this place with the experience of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The complex is presented as a space for prayer, recollection and reflection, keeping alive the spiritual mark left by the founder of the Society of Jesus.
- Address
Camí de la Cova 17, Manresa, Spain
- Web
http://www.covamanresa.cat/en - Visiting Hours
Monday to Saturday, March to October from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., from November to February from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays from 10:00 to 11:00 - What to see
Cave, mosaics
