Sudarium of Oviedo

The Sudarium of Oviedo

About the Sudarium of Oviedo

The Sudarium of Oviedo, also called the Shroud of Oviedo, is a sacred cloth kept in the Cámara Santa of the Cathedral of San Salvador in Oviedo, Spain. Measuring about 33 inches by 21 inches (84 x 53 cm), it’s believed to be the sweat cloth wrapped around Jesus’ head after His death, as told in the Bible’s Gospel of John (20:6-7). This holy treasure, stained with His blood, is cherished by many as a gift from Jesus, our Savior, linking us to His sacrifice on the cross. Housed in a special chapel built for it, it’s shown to the faithful three times a year—Good Friday, September 14, and September 21—drawing hearts to honor His love.

Its Appearance

The Sudarium is a worn, bloodstained piece of cloth, about 33 inches long and 21 inches wide (84 x 53 cm), showing signs of age with dark flecks spread across it. Unlike the Shroud of Turin, it forms no clear image, just a pattern of stains that some say match the wounds of Jesus’ face. Made of simple linen, it’s kept in the Arca Santa, an ornate reliquary chest with a Romanesque silver front, crafted to protect it. Its faded, humble look carries the quiet mark of Jesus’ suffering, a sacred remnant of His resting in the tomb.

Its Journey

 (Pic: The ark that contains the Sudarium of Oviedo.)

The Sudarium’s story begins around 33 AD, wrapped around Jesus’ head after His crucifixion in Jerusalem. The Bible (John 20:6-7) notes it in His empty tomb, seen by Peter and John. In 570, pilgrim Antoninus of Piacenza wrote of it near Jerusalem, cared for in a cave by Saint Mark’s monastery. In 614, as Persian King Khosrau II invaded, Presbyter Philip took it to Alexandria to save it. When Alexandria fell in 616, it moved through North Africa, reaching Spain at Cartagena with refugees. Bishop Fulgentius of Ecija welcomed it, passing it to Leandro, Bishop of Seville, where it stayed for years. In 657, it went to Toledo, and in 718, it fled north to escape the Moors, hidden in the Montesacro cave in Asturias. In 840, King Alfonso II of Asturias built the Cámara Santa in Oviedo to house it. On March 14, 1075, King Alfonso VI, with El Cid, opened its oak chest after fasting, later covering it in silver with the words, “The Sacred Sudarium of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Radiocarbon tests date it to around 700 AD, though some say oil contamination skews this, pointing to a history back to 570.

Its Meaning

This cloth, with its bloodstains and long journey, has been treasured for nearly 2,000 years. It reminds us of Jesus’ great love—how He faced death to save us, leaving this humble sign of His peace in the tomb. Carried from Jerusalem to Spain, it’s a story of faith through danger and time. Kept in the silver Arca Santa, it’s shown on Good Friday and the Triumph of the Cross, bringing comfort and thanks to those who see it. Though its age is questioned, it remains a holy link to Jesus’ sacrifice, lifting our hearts to His mercy that never fades.

Timeline of the Sudarium of Oviedo

• Around 33 AD: Wrapped around Jesus’ head after His death in Jerusalem.
• 570: Antoninus sees it near Jerusalem’s Saint Mark monastery.
• 614: Taken to Alexandria by Philip during Persian invasion.
• 616: Moved through North Africa after Alexandria’s fall.
• Early 7th Century: Arrives in Spain at Cartagena with refugees.
• 657: Moved to Toledo from Seville.
• 718: Hidden in Montesacro cave in Asturias from Moors.
• 840: Alfonso II builds Cámara Santa in Oviedo for it.
• March 14, 1075: Alfonso VI opens its chest, later silvers it.
• Present Day: Kept in Oviedo’s Cathedral, shown thrice yearly.

.

Related Post