Hipogeos de Valdecanales, Underground religious ruins in Rus, Spain
The Hipogeos de Valdecanales are underground chambers carved into rock that form three separate spaces beneath barrel vaults. The carved facade stretches across approximately 17 meters and features blind arches along with oval openings that allow light to penetrate the dark interior.
These underground chambers were created between the 6th and 7th centuries as a refuge for hermits during an era of political unrest. The sanctuary reflects how people in this period pursued their spiritual devotion within protected, stone-carved spaces.
The interior structure features three naves under a barrel vault, with small windows designed for natural light and air circulation.
The site is located on a private olive estate near the Giribaile reservoir and is not freely accessible to the public. Visits require prior arrangement and permission from the local landowners before arriving.
Inside the hermitage sits a fractured stele bearing carved symbols of a labyrinth pattern and a cross, showing that the site was used across different historical periods. This rare carving blends different time periods and belief systems in one location.
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