Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Gràcia, Religious shrine in La Fresneda, Spain.
The Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Gràcia is a shrine comprising a church and hospitality building that is partially integrated into the rock, featuring classical architectural design. The structure displays a three-nave layout with a flat chancel, decorative column orders, and barrel-vaulted ceilings.
The shrine was established in the 18th century following the discovery of a statue of the Virgin Mary in a cave at this location by a shepherdess from Valljunquera. This finding prompted the construction of the sanctuary and transformed it into an important pilgrimage destination.
The shrine is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and has been a place where people came to pray and seek help with their concerns. This location holds deep meaning for those in the surrounding villages who passed down stories about its importance.
The site is partially in ruins, but the foundation walls and main structure remain visible, giving a clear sense of the original layout. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and wear appropriate footwear to safely explore the spaces.
The hospitality building spans four floors in a rectangular configuration and was built entirely from stone blocks that still serve as load-bearing walls. This construction method using local stone demonstrates the building techniques that craftsmen in the region used for centuries.
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