Ermita de la Vera Cruz, Mudéjar hermitage church in Coria del Río, Spain.
The Ermita de la Vera Cruz is a Mudéjar hermitage on the Cerro de San Juan hilltop featuring whitewashed walls and a simple, functional layout. The building has a single nave divided by pointed transverse arches, with external buttresses supporting the structure.
The chapel was built during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs between 1474 and 1500, showcasing the Mudéjar architectural style of that period. The structure underwent several renovations and modifications over the following centuries, reflecting different phases of construction and rebuilding.
The hermitage serves as a focal point for local devotion, drawing visitors during Holy Week when religious processions move through its spaces. The simple interior creates an intimate setting where people gather to observe traditional religious practices.
Access to the hermitage requires climbing approximately 33 steps from San Juan Street, with the main entrance located on the northeast-facing side of the building. The climb involves moderate physical effort, particularly in warm weather or for those with limited mobility.
The main altarpiece from the 17th century displays a Maltese cross at its top, suggesting historical ties between the hermitage and the Order of Malta. This architectural detail may hint at earlier connections between the location and military monastic communities.
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