The Ermita, or
Chapel of Saint Lucia and Saint Benet is located 1,000 feet above the sea,
on Saint Benet’s Mountain. The chapel dates from the 17th century and is in
the Baroque Velencian style.
The back of the
chapel is believed to have been one of the coastal watch towers of the 15th
and 16th centuries. From here there is a good view of the Columbretes
islands, and all the coastal approaches for over 180 degrees, to the north
and south.
Joining the back
of the chapel is another building which was once a hostel with rooms for
pilgrims, and stables for their horses. There are also two ancient wells in
the small courtyard.
From the chapel
there are good views to the natural wetlands of the Cabanes-Torreblanca
marshes, the Desert of Palms, the Santa Agueda peaks and, in the far
distance on a clear day one can even see the Cape of San Antonio down south
in Alicante province.
Traditionally a
pilgrimage was made to the chapel on 11th June for Saint Benet, and 13th
December for Saint Lucia, and this tradition is still preserved, with the
faithful coming from all the surrounding districts.
A Mass and procession are held in
the chapel on those days.