Hermitage of Santa María la Antigua, Romanesque church in Vista Alegre, Spain.
The Hermitage of Santa María la Antigua is a Romanesque chapel in Vista Alegre with white walls, rounded arches, and sturdy stone construction. The interior reveals medieval building methods with simple yet solid structural elements.
The chapel was built around 1200 and stands on the foundations of an earlier religious site. It marks centuries of continuous religious presence in the region.
The chapel with its white exterior has shaped the village character for generations. It serves as a gathering place where locals connect with their spiritual roots.
Access to the chapel is usually limited, so checking ahead with locals is a good idea. The nearest metro station is Eugenia de Montijo on line 5, from which you can reach the site.
A medieval well inside the chapel is attributed to San Isidro and connects local religious traditions with water practices. This link shows how the chapel was woven into the community's daily practices.
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