With a history stretching back as far as 1376, Santa Cristina’s Shrine is a cornerstone of the region around Lloret de Mar. Its current incarnation was built in the late 1700s and has a neoclassical design with whitewashed walls and slanted tile roofs.
Arrive at the shrine and marvel at the Greco-Roman style of its façade. Venture inside and study the various works of art decorating the walls. Among the highlights is the marble altar, which shows off its range of colors. Study the altarpiece painting of the death of the church’s patron saint, St. Cristina, who was slain by arrows.
Make your way through to the sacristy for the array of model ships apparently offered to the saint by the region’s sailors. Here, you’ll find miniature versions of famous vessels, complete with guns and other tiny features. Come during the Festival of Saint Cristina toward the end of July and see her skull and a small bone carried around the area. Her rib and femur were lost during a 1936 riot.
Consider the fascinating history of the church. The people of Lloret de Mar grouped together and paid a fairly large sum to fund its construction. Chat with the clergy about this past to hear how even those with no money offered their personal labor when they could.
Enter the shrine for free. It is open to visitors during July and August from Monday to Friday for a couple hours in the late afternoons. On a warm day, embark on a pleasant stroll through the adjoining woodland.
Santa Cristina’s Shrine is on the coastline in the southwestern suburbs of Lloret de Mar. Drive southwest from the center of the city for less than 10 minutes to reach it, taking in the views of the rugged coast as you travel. Stay in the area for other nearby highlights such as Cala Boadella Beach, Gnomo Park and Cala Treumal.