Nerja > places_of_interest

Ermita de las Angustias

La Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Las Angustias (Chapel of Our Lady of Anguish) was built in 1720 by the Lopez de Alcantara family who funded the chapel until handing it over the the village of Nerja and the Cathedral of Malaga once it became impossible for them to financially support. Bernarda Maria Alferez and her son built the church in honour of the Virgen de las Angustias who also acts as the Patroness of Granada, the city from which the family originated.

The church is a quaint place to visit, with both humble simplicity and flamboyant decoration both fitting into the small structure. Inside you'll find a number of beautiful murals, recently restored, depicting scenes inspired by Pentecost and the four evangelists.

As the name suggests the chapel acts as the year round sanctuary of Our Lady of Anguish, patron saint of Nerja and a figure still admired by many local people. Within the church you can find a depiction of the Virgen in a dressing room behind a small portico and belfry. Here she remains until called upon for the various religious ceremonies that take place throughout the year when the statue is transferred to the church of El Salvador on the Balcon de Europa.

Location

The chapel can be found in the recently renovated Plaza de La Ermita which mid way along Calle San Miguel. It's located next to the exhibition hall know as la Sala Mercado and a short distance from the free car park just off the N-340.

Visiting times