Museum of the Santuario de Consolación

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The Sanctuary dates back to the early 16th century when Antonio Barrados obtained permission to build a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation. The titular image was gifted by the Nuestra Señora de la Antigua Convent. On 31 March 1561, the chapel was transferred to the Congregation of Minimal Fathers. The construction of the convent and church began at that time.

News of the miracles and intercessions of Our Lady of Consolation spread throughout Andalusia, especially among seafarers bound for the Americas. They visited the Sanctuary to implore the Virgin’s protection or thank her for a safe journey. Numerous offerings and small boats make up the Virgin’s trousseau, such as the Nao de Oro, the most valuable votive offering of all her possessions, gifted by Rodrigo de Salinas in 1579.

The historical devotion to Our Lady of Consolation is manifested through the enormous artistic heritage collected over the years. Much of it has been exhibited for some years now in the temple’s museum. The museum holds not only her jewels and trousseau but also the best collection of votive offerings, some of which date back to the 18th century. Many offerings are marine-themed. The most famous one is a galleon in her right hand. This has earned her the moniker “The One with the little ship in her hand”. This small, 16th-century ship is made of gold and rock crystal. It has been argued that it was offered by the crew of the “Veracruz”. It is, therefore, a unique combination of ethnological and historical wealth.