Hermitages of Javea

Javea has a rich religious history, with the seven remaining hermitages acting as physical monuments to that past. Built between the 14th and 19th centuries, the beautiful hermitages of Javea are well worth visiting for anyone interested in history.

Hermitage of Pòpul is one of the Hermitages of Conquest - a group of 14th and 15th century hermitages, built to mark the area becoming Christian. It is located on the southern slope of the Montgó, 3km from Javea's centre. Its gothic architecture, with its gabled roof and semi-circle arch, is an ode to its history, and it is beautifully decorated with paintings and a carving of the Virgin of Loreto. Anglican Church services are held here every Sunday at 9.45am.

 Images by @sieglindec_photography

Built in the late 15th century, Ermita de San Juan is another of Javea's Hermitages of Conquest. This historic late-gothic church is located at the entrance of the old cemetery. Under the direction of Soler Blasco Museum, they have installed a collection of ceramic funerary panels, turning it into a funeral museum of sorts. This hermitage does not maintain religious worship and so is closed much of the time, save for All Saints' Day. 

The final of Javea's three remaining Hermitages of Conquest, the small, simplistic chapel is located 163 metres up the slopes of the beautiful Montgó. The historic hermitage is comprised of stone arches, a roof gable, and a replica of the original bell - which rings once a year on 13th December, the day on which Santa Lucía is celebrated. The hermitage is closed all year except on its feast day. It can only be reached on foot, although the full walk is only 45 minutes and it is possible to go some of the way by car.

For more information on the walk, see here.

La Calvary Chapel is one of Javea's 18th century hermitages, originally built in 1770. The hermitage is located on an elevation, on on Calle Finisterre, 10. It is a large hermitage, with stunning views and striking architecture - most notably, its blue tiled dome and neoclassical belfry. Inside, small windows illuminate gorgeous neoclassical decor and the image of Jesús Nazareno in a gilded niche. The parties associated with the hermitage begin on the third Sunday of Lent, complete with music, dancing and fireworks. Masses are held on the first Friday of each month at 17:00 p.m. in winter and 18:30 p.m. in summer. Weddings are also held.

Image by @solojavea

The Hermitage of San Antonio Abad was built in 1791, right on the border of Javea and Denia. It is a simplistic building, with a gabled roof of Arab tiles, a simple belfry, and beams made from reused sailboat sticks.

Despite now being on private property, this 1773 hermitage can still be seen from the outside. Itis a simplistic rectangular building, with an empty belfry and a small cross. It is located in the southeast of Javea, near the El Tosalet urbanization.

Devoted to the patron saint of Javea, The Hermitage of San Sebastián began construction in 1993 and was inaugurated in 2015, blessed by Archbishop Cardenal Cañizares. It is situated in the Costa Nova area, with a portable altar for open-air masses on Sundays, and a simple belfry with a wrought-iron cross. It is also frequently used for meetings and youth congregations. Masses take place in July and August, from 20:00.