Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, Hermitage church in Aniés, Spain.
The hermitage sits on a cliff face in the Sierra Caballera mountain range and connects to the village of Aniés by a steep mountain path through forests. The chapel stands out in the landscape with its dramatic position high above the valley floor.
This religious site began in Roman times, with the thirteenth century bringing major additions that shaped the current architecture. That building phase gave the place its distinctive character.
Local people keep the tradition of protecting the hermitage key, which means visitors need to ask the community for access. This practice keeps the place connected to daily village life.
The path to the hermitage is steep and requires solid hiking boots and physical fitness. Visitors should prepare for changing conditions and allow time for the climb.
Stone stairs are carved directly into the mountain rock to lead visitors to the entrance. From the top, visitors can see the collegiate building of Boléa in the distance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.