The Corpse of Saint Teresa of Ávila Who Died 440 Years Ago, Displayed for the First Time in Over a Century, Found Remarkably Preserved

Saint Teresa of Avila, who died in 1582, is the patron saint of chess players, lace makers, loss of parents, people in need of grace, people in religious orders, people ridiculed for their piety, and those who are sick

The body of Saint Teresa of Jesus, also known as Saint Teresa of Ávila, has been displayed to the public for the first time since 1914, stunning church officials and scientists alike with its extraordinary state of preservation nearly 500 years after her death.

The Diocese of Avila in Spain unlocked a medieval saint's tomb to conduct an analysis on the 450-year-old remains. Pictured: The silver coffin encased in marble of Saint Teresa of Avila

The revered Spanish mystic, who died in 1582 at the age of 67, was exhumed on August 28 from her tomb in Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, Spain. Her remains were unveiled at the Basilica of the Annunciation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, drawing large crowds of worshippers and researchers eager to witness what many are calling a miraculous case of incorruptibility.

Images show St Teresa's remains laying in a silver coffin encased in marble, her face still 'clearly visible' and her limbs 'incorrupt'

Saint Teresa’s body was found in a silver coffin encased in marble. Church officials and medical experts confirmed that her limbs remain incorrupt and that her face is still clearly visible despite the passage of four and a half centuries. The remains were last examined over 100 years ago, and current observers say the preservation remains strikingly consistent with the state recorded in 1914.

The body of Saint Teresa of Jesus displayed at the Basilica of the Annunciation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Alba de Tormes, Salamanca province, May 12, 2025

Upon exhumation, Dr. Marco Chiesa, General Postulator of the Discalced Carmelite Order, led the examination alongside a medical team. He stated that while the skin is mummified and discolored, Teresa’s facial structure remains identifiable, particularly in the central features of her face.

Crowds of faithful gathered to view the body of the holy woman at the Basilica of the Annunciation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, Spain

A total of 10 keys are required to access her remains, symbolizing the reverence and protection afforded to the saint’s body. These keys are held by the Duke of Alba (3), the city of Alba de Tormes (3), the Discalced Carmelite Father General in Rome (3), and a final “King’s key” completes the set, needed to unlock her marble-encased coffin.

Saint Teresa of Avila died in 1582 and her body has remained largely unchanged since then. Pictured: The silver coffin encased in marble of Saint Teresa of Avila

Saint Teresa was canonized in 1622 and later became the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church in 1970, an honor recognizing her immense contribution to Catholic doctrine. She is the patron saint of chess players, lace makers, people suffering illness or spiritual ridicule, and those in religious orders.

Saint Teresa's remains were moved to a locked room where experts can analyze her DNA and understand how to better preserve relics in the future. Pictured: The silver coffin encased in marble of Saint Teresa of Avila

The research team is currently conducting a detailed analysis, including visual inspections, photographs, and X-rays. Samples have been sent to a laboratory in Italy for further study, which is expected to take several months. Experts hope the results will yield valuable insights into historical preservation techniques and Saint Teresa’s medical history.

Initial findings include signs of calcareous spines on her feet—bone formations likened to starfish or sea urchin skeletons—thought to have caused her significant pain and mobility issues during life. This condition, along with reported symptoms such as convulsions, dizziness, and stomach problems, matches accounts from her autobiographical writings where she described intense mystical experiences and physical suffering as manifestations of divine connection.

It is expected to take several months before doctors and scientists will get the results of their analysis back from a lab in Italy. Pictured: The silver coffin encased in marble of Saint Teresa of Avila

Despite deteriorating health, Teresa undertook a final journey to Alba de Tormes in 1582 with her companion Anne of St. Bartholomew. After three days at the local convent, she reportedly said, “At last, my daughter, I have reached the house of death,” and passed away shortly after.

The current examination is expected to not only deepen the understanding of Saint Teresa’s physical condition at death but also inform conservation practices for relics. Church officials have reiterated their commitment to preserving the sanctity and integrity of the saint’s remains, while welcoming faithful pilgrims to witness what they describe as a true sign of God’s miracles.