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Santo Toribio Monastery History

The Santo Toribio Monastery is a religious site located in the region of Cantabria, northern Spain. The monastery is known for being the home of the Lignum Crucis, one of the largest surviving fragments of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, making it a popular destination for religious pilgrims.

The history of the Santo Toribio Monastery dates back to the 6th century, when a small chapel was built on the site. The monastery was established in the 8th century, and it quickly became an important religious center in the region.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the monastery underwent several expansions and renovations, with many of the current structures dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The monastery also played an important role in the Spanish Reconquista, with monks participating in several battles against Muslim forces in the region.

The Lignum Crucis arrived at the monastery in the 8th century, brought by a monk named Saint Turibius of Liébana. The relic became an important symbol of faith and was believed to have healing powers, drawing pilgrims from across Spain and beyond.