Hidden within the tranquil outskirts of Colmenar Viejo stands the Ermita Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. This unassuming hermitage holds a fascinating history a story woven through centuries.
The Ermita Nuestra Señora de los Remedios wasn’t always dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies. Originally it was a shrine to Saint Bartholomew. Later in the 17th century it underwent a significant transformation and expansion. The sacristy was added during this period. Subsequent renovations continued throughout the 20th century the most impactful in 1969 reshaped its exterior. Only the chapel and sacristy remain from earlier times.
But the real treasure of the Ermita Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is its namesake image. In 1914 during a restoration of an older image a smaller figure was discovered hidden inside. This smaller image is a seated Virgin Mary with the Child on her left knee. This style was particularly popular during the 12th century. Its small size suggests it may have been carried by medieval armies during battles a portable symbol of faith amidst conflict.
The Ermita Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is more than just a place of worship. It sits amidst an important archaeological site. Within the hermitage itself is a stone pillar bearing two inscriptions. One in Latin TER AVC is believed to be a Roman boundary marker. The other inscription difficult to decipher possibly marks the discovery of the present Virgin Mary image. Outside near the hermitage lie the fascinating remains of a Visigothic necropolis. These tombs offer a glimpse into burial practices of a small settlement that existed there around the 7th century AD.
The Ermita Nuestra Señora de los Remedios has even played a role on the silver screen. Parts of the epic film “El Cid” starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren were filmed within its walls. This cinematic legacy adds another layer to its rich and layered history.
The Ermita Nuestra Señora de los Remedios stands as a testament to the passage of time. It’s a place where history religion and even cinema converge. A site worth exploring and remembering.