Have you noticed the simple yet striking structure before you? This is the Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción. It stands as a testament to faith and community spirit in Fuerteventura.
The Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción, or the Hermitage of the Immaculate Conception. It is located in Llanos de la Concepción. This place was once known as Llanos del Otro Valle or Llanos de Santa Inés until the late 18th century.
Imagine the late 1700s. The community here decided they needed a place of worship. Between 1784 and 1796, they constructed this very temple. D. Joseph de Armas played a crucial role. He became the guarantor for the construction.
In 1796, on November 3, the residents committed to support the temple. It was dedicated to Nuestra Señora de La Concepción. Subsequently, the area adopted the name of its patron saint. It was decreed in 1797 that the festival would be celebrated every August 15. The Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción was blessed on March 20, 1798.
The Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción is a modest building. Its simple nave has a three-pitched roof. You can also see the exposed tiles. Windows punctuate both long walls near the altar area.
Notice the sacristy attached to the head of the Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción. It occupies the same width. But its roof is different. It is a hipped roof without tiles.
There are two entrances to the Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción. One is midway along the south-facing wall. The main entrance faces west. Both have semicircular arches. Above the main entrance is a small oculus. Look at the belfry on the upper right side of the facade. It is plastered and painted white. A small bell opening is topped with a semicircular arch.
Inside the Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción, a simple wooden roof rests on a string course. The string course has a cord decoration on three sides. Simple geometric motifs adorn the inner roof panel. Four simple wooden tie rods counteract the roof’s thrust on the walls. There are also two small tie rods in the corners of the temple’s head.
A small niche with a corbel is located on the south wall. It houses small images. The sacristy is accessed through a door on the right side of the wall. It has a simple wooden frame. A large window is in the south wall. This is characteristic of domestic architecture. There are masonry seats inside the wall.
The Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción stands surrounded by a small wall. This wall is attached to the north, south, and east sides. In front of the main door is a small paved area. It has limestone slabs. Opposite it stands a small Calvary. It features a wooden cross on a square base.
The Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción has witnessed Fuerteventura’s history unfold. It remains a beacon of faith. The festival on August 15 continues to be a significant event. Remember the dedication of the community. It transformed this humble building into a cherished landmark.