Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Saints, 18th century hermitage sanctuary in Alcalá de los Gazules, Spain.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Saints is an octagonal chapel featuring a semi-spherical dome with intricate painted wood decorations. A central well stands in the entrance courtyard, serving as a focal point of the structure.
The sanctuary originated after the Battle of Salado in 1340, when victorious soldiers erected a stone cross to mark their triumph. Later generations expanded this site, building the octagonal chapel that stands today.
The walls display a collection of votive offerings from the 18th century, including paintings and letters from believers documenting miracles of the Virgin. Visitors can still see these personal thank-you tokens today, reflecting the trust and hope of earlier generations.
The site is best visited during daylight hours when natural light illuminates the interior paintings and details clearly. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground in and around the courtyard and wear sturdy footwear.
The sanctuary preserves a statue from the 14th century, though its face and hands were added during later modifications. These later changes show how the veneration of the site evolved and was reshaped across centuries.
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