Ermita de la Virgen de Sieteiglesias, Hermitage church in Matapozuelos, Spain.
The Ermita de la Virgen de Sieteiglesias is a hermitage built between two rivers with brick walls and three naves topped by flat ceilings. An adjoining caretaker's dwelling with a kitchen and two small rooms sits beside the chapel, though currently unoccupied.
Saint Turibius of Astorga founded this hermitage in the 4th century as a monastic settlement with six monks. Each monk inhabited a separate cell, establishing the religious character that defined the site's early years.
The hermitage draws visitors during two major festivals when traditional music and local dances fill the grounds with celebration. These gatherings show how deeply the place remains woven into the rhythm of the community's spiritual calendar.
This hermitage is located in a rural setting between two rivers, so visitors should be prepared for unpaved paths and open countryside. Check local conditions before visiting, as the unoccupied caretaker's house means limited on-site facilities.
During festivals, local youth form human towers to place handkerchiefs on the Virgin's crown in a striking display of community participation. These items are then returned to participants from the adjoining house's balcony, keeping alive an enduring tradition.
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