Ermita de Santa Anna d'Albal, Religious hermitage in Albal, Spain
Ermita de Santa Anna d'Albal is a Gothic hermitage perched on a hill west of Albal town, nestled among pine trees in an area called El Replà. The building features pointed arches and a simple but dignified layout typical of small devotional chapels in the region.
The cathedral council of Valencia established the hermitage in 1402, though records point to earlier religious activities at this location. The site's long connection to worship is evident from its survival across the centuries.
The main altar holds a 14th-century alabaster statue showing Saint Anne with the Virgin Mary, reflecting how medieval worshippers honored sacred motherhood. This sculpture reveals the devotion that drew people to this remote hilltop location.
The easiest route to the chapel goes through Santa Ana Park, where signs clearly mark the building. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the hill is steep and the path becomes slippery after rain.
An olive tree shoot grows behind the chapel, believed to descend from the tree where a shepherd discovered a holy image in 1289. This ancient tree connects the present-day chapel to an even older tradition of worship.
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