Ermita de Castilleja de Talhara, Medieval chapel in Benacazón, Spain
The Ermita de Castilleja de Talhara is a chapel in Benacazón built with brick and rammed earth walls decorated with turquoise and manganese glazed ceramic tiles around its windows. The interior contains three naves divided into two sections by pointed arches leading to a square main chapel supported by corner supports.
The chapel was founded in 1369 when Alfonso Fernández de Fuentes established the village of Talhara, leaving a stone marker in front of the building to commemorate this event. This founding stone records the beginning of a settlement that would endure for centuries in the valley.
This sanctuary serves as a place of quiet worship in the countryside, where the simple design directs focus toward prayer and reflection. Visitors notice the modest furnishings and the sense of endurance conveyed by the solid walls.
The chapel stands next to an estate of the same name near the road connecting Benacazón with Aznalcázar, overlooking the Guadiamar valley below. Access is best on foot, making it suitable for visitors seeking to combine countryside walks with cultural exploration.
On a pillar beside the altar, traces of medieval wall paintings remain visible, showing halos and fragments of a Virgin and Child representation. These overlooked remains offer a rare glimpse into the artistic decoration that once adorned the interior.
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