Fallen but not forgotten, the ruins before you whisper tales of faith. This is the Ermita de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de Los Remedios. It stands at the end of the Calle de los Pasos. This location is now Alameda El Calvario. Prepare to step back in time.
The Ermita de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de Los Remedios is one of Antigua’s oldest architectural treasures. It became a parish in May 1594. The church left a mark on the indigenous people of that time.
Construction began around 1575. The Agustin order took charge in 1625. They expanded the church. Natural disasters repeatedly damaged the structure. In 1776, the city moved to the Ermita Valley. Several parishes moved too, including this one.
The Ermita de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de Los Remedios saw reconstruction in 1805. This allowed it to keep serving its faithful. However, the parish moved to the new city in May 1784.
Today, the Ermita de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de Los Remedios remains abandoned. It is in a state of deterioration. Public access is not permitted. Its left tower still stands. The facade is simple. It lacks the elaborate details of other temples.
In 1530, Pedro de Alvarado granted a site for the Ermita. After the destruction of Ciudad Vieja in 1541, it relocated. The first structure likely had a thatched roof. Baltasar Est\u00e9vez replaced it with a tile roof in 1575.
The Agustinos managed the Ermita for a time. They wanted to build a convent. However, King ordered it to remain a parish.
The church was elevated to a parish in 1641. A new construction began in 1649. Earthquakes destroyed this chapel in 1651. Another reconstruction finished around 1671.
By 1677, the Ermita de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de Los Remedios was again in ruins. Joseph de Lara asked the King for funds. In 1684, the King ordered funds to be taken from the royal coffers.
Diego de Porres reported damage from the 1717 earthquakes. The Ermita was repaired around 1720 at a cost of six thousand pesos. The 1773 earthquake damaged the bell tower and roof.
In 1816, Archbishop Casaus authorized using materials from the church for the Templo de San Jos\u00e9. The 1976 earthquake further damaged the facade and bell tower.
Archaeological studies have revealed much about the Ermita. In 1976, a study found the original level of the temple. It also uncovered steps and a paved area. A 1994 study found remains of an old brick wall.
Excavations in 2004 and 2005 uncovered old floor levels. They also found walls and foundations. These studies helped determine construction techniques.
The facade shows Renaissance style. It features classical elements like columns and pilasters. Niches contain sculptures of saints.
The facade is divided into sections. Some niches hold sculptures of San Pedro and San Pablo. The main entrance features a Marian monogram. The upper level includes a sculpture of the Archangel San Miguel. At the very top is the Virgin of Los Remedios.
The Ermita de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de Los Remedios has three attached chapels. These are the Capilla Santo Cristo, San L\u00e1zaro, and Nuestra Se\u00f1ora del Rosario. Each chapel has unique architectural features.
The temple’s interior includes a baptistery. A bell tower rises above it. The sacristy is located to the south of the presbytery.
The temple’s floor plan includes a sotocoro, nave, and presbytery. The nave measures approximately 10.78 x 34.28 meters. Murals once decorated the presbytery.
Construction used local materials like stone and brick. The walls used a technique called tapial. This involved compacting earth between boards.
The Ermita de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de Los Remedios served as a spiritual refuge. It provided solace during natural disasters and plagues. Religious activities extended beyond the church. Processions moved through the city.
The parish administered sacraments. These included baptisms, marriages, and funerals. The temple remained in use for burials until the early 19th century.
The Ermita was the focus of faith for the local community. Despite its ruined state, it remains a testament to their devotion. Take a moment to reflect on the lives touched by this sacred place.