The Holy Shroud of Coria

The Holy Shroud of Coria is made from fin white linen with decorative bands in indigo blue and measures 4.42 metres in length and 92 centimetres in width. Its dimensions are similar to those of the Holy Shroud of Turin (4.40m x 1.10m).

There are several as to how it ended up at the Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción in Coria. We know of its existence in the city thanks to a bull issued by the Antipope Benedict XIII, Pope Luna, who in the early 15th century granted recognition and authenticity to the shroud, generating great interest and fervour among believers. As the tradition goes, the relic appeared between 1370 and 1400 in some chests when work was being carried out under the floor of the church.

From 1494 to 1791, it was placed on public display every 3 May for the man pilgrims who come faithfully to Coria for the miracles attributed to the place. It was hung like a banner from a purpose-built balcony in the cathedral, and pilgrims could touch It when making pleas, pledges or praying. All this movement led to the deterioration of the canvas and the decision was taken to keep it in the cathedral and gradually its worship faded and it was forgotten.

In recent decades, the Holy Shroud has been the subject of research by a number of Spanish and international scientists, among them John Jackson, a former member of NASA and Director of the Turin Shroud Centre of Colorado (USA), who argues that there were two shrouds at the Last Supper: the Coria piece and the Shroud of Turin, which were made at the same time and were placed one on top of the other on the table.

The Chapter of the Cathedral and the Diocese of Coria-Cáceres consider this relic to be unique in the world and that it was present at the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and, therefore, the institution of the Holy Mass and the birth of the Church.

Coria is also known for its cathedral and San Juan festival, declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, in which the bull takes centre stage. The city is located in the fertile floodplain of the River Alagón and shares a country with the towns of Montehermoso, Torrejoncillo and Ceclavín, which boast an impressive craft tradition, and also the unique special conservation area of Canchos de Ramiro, in the municipality of Cachorrilla. Very close by is the Sierra de Gata, Las Hurdes and Plasencia.