Fire guts 12th century Christian sanctuary in northwest Spain, lightning strike suspected

MADRID – Officials say a landmark 12th century Christian sanctuary in the fjord-like coastal region of northwest Spain has been gutted by fire.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo, president of the regional government of Galicia, said in a statement that a fire at the ancient Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Boat in Muxia may have been caused by a lightning strike of a nearby electricity transformer.

Local press reports say firefighters were able to save only part of a renowned altarpiece and feared the chapel's dome may collapse after suffering serious fire damage.

Galicia has for centuries been a magnet for Christian pilgrimage.