Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cave-Shrine of Santo Hermano Pedro |
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Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro, Tenerife.
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| District | Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna |
| Province | Archdiocese of Seville |
| Rite | Roman Rite |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Shrine |
| Location | |
| Location | El Médano, Spain. |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | church |
The Cave-Shrine of Santo Hermano Pedro is a special Roman Catholic cave that serves as a shrine. It is dedicated to Saint Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur, who was the very first saint from the Canary Islands. You can find this important cave in the area of Granadilla de Abona, close to El Medano. This spot is on the south side of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain. It's located right at the end of the Tenerife South Airport runway.
Exploring the Holy Cave
This cave is one of the most important places for pilgrimage in the Canary Islands. Every year, more than 300,000 visitors come here. Saint Peter of Betancur used this cave as a resting spot for himself and his sheep. It was a place where they could recover their strength during their journeys to his small village in the highlands of Vilaflor.
The cave was also a quiet place for Peter to pray. Sometimes, he even used it to hide from pirate attacks. Pirates were common along the coasts of the Canary Islands back then.
Today, inside the cave, you'll see a wooden statue of the saint. One part of the cave is completely covered with "votive offerings." These are gifts or tokens left by faithful visitors to show their thanks or to ask for help. The cave also holds a special "relic" of the Saint. This is a small piece of his rib, which is considered very sacred.
Protecting the Cave
Since 1999, the government of the Canary Islands has officially recognized this cave. It is listed as a "Site of Cultural Interest." This means it is protected because of its historical and cultural importance.
Saint Peter's Journey
The famous "Hermano Pedro's Way" ends at this cave. This is a historic route that Saint Peter used to travel with his sheep. He would go through the Chasna region, starting from Vilaflor and ending at this holy cave.
Today, during the Saint's festival in April, hundreds of pilgrims walk this route. It is a journey that holds great religious and historical meaning for many people.
See also
In Spanish: Cueva del Santo Hermano Pedro para niños
