Sa Capella de Sa Tanca Vella, Medieval chapel in Sant Francesc Xavier, Spain.
Sa Capella de Sa Tanca Vella is a rectangular stone building from the Middle Ages located in Sant Francesc Xavier on Formentera. It features a barrel vault ceiling and shows the simple, solid construction style of early religious architecture on the island.
The chapel was built in 1369 with permission from the Archbishop of Tarragona and served the small population of Formentera after the 14th-century plague. The island was being resettled and needed places for the religious life of those who lived there.
The name comes from a house built next to it, which became closely linked with the chapel's identity. This connection shows how religious buildings were woven into the everyday life of small island communities.
The site is located in a rural area and can be reached by local paths, so it helps to ask for directions before visiting. Sturdy footwear is recommended and daytime visits offer the best views of the structure and its surroundings.
During the 18th century, the building became connected to a new house called Sa Tanca Vella, which gave the chapel its current name. This later connection shows how historical sites evolved and merged with new structures over time.
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