Right here before us stands the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Santos. It is a testament to faith and history in Móstoles. This charming hermitage has a story that stretches back centuries. It is a story of devotion and community spirit.
The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Santos dates back to the early 17th century. Construction began in 1602. It was completed around 1605. The site was once a house owned by Doña Constanza de Rojas. She was the mother of Beato Simón de Rojas. Tradition says an image of the Virgin Mary existed here before the hermitage was built. It stood on this very spot.
Locals of Móstoles deeply revered their patron saint. They funded the construction of this sacred space through donations. They also paid for later repairs and renovations over the centuries. This shows their unwavering devotion.
In 1618, expansions added a room and a new chapel. To cover the costs, land in Cerro Prieto was sold. This land belonged to the hermitage. The main chapel was built in 1680. José Carrasco from Móstoles and Cristóbal Rodríguez from El Escorial were the master builders. The project cost 34500 reales.
The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Santos features a single nave. Tuscan pilasters support a barrel vault. The walls are made of brick and masonry. Two entrances grace the building. One is at the foot of the building with 18th-century ironwork. The other is on the Gospel side. It too has ironwork from the 18th century.
Inside, a baroque altarpiece from the 18th century captures attention. It is in the Churriguera style. Restored in 2005, it showcases modern images. These images depict the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. The camarín holds the image of Nuestra Señora de los Santos. A terracotta figure of San Juan and the Child Jesus is also on display. It is attributed to Luisa Roldán. She was known as “la Roldana”. She was a sculptor for Carlos II and Felipe V.
The temple houses 17th-century mirrors. There are also cornucopias and framed paintings. The rich decor reflects the religious fervor of the community.
The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Santos has undergone several restorations. It remains well-preserved. The main altarpiece was restored in 2005. Other interventions also took place then.
The hermitage opens during local festivities. The 12th of September is especially important. It is the day of the Virgen de los Santos, the patron saint of Móstoles. Check with the Móstoles Town Hall for specific visiting hours.
Declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1994, the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Santos stands as a protected monument. It is a testament to Móstoles’ rich heritage. It also shows unwavering faith. Take a moment to appreciate the history held within these walls. Consider the generations who found solace and inspiration here.