Ermita de los Ángeles

Ermita de los Ángeles is a small chapel carved into a rock face above the Alhama River, in the town of Alhama de Granada in Andalusia. It sits at the foot of the steep Tajos de Alhama, the dramatic gorge that cuts through the town and forms one of its most recognizable natural features.

Where exactly is it located?

The chapel stands along a route known locally as the Camino de la Trucha, which follows the course of the Alhama River beneath the cliffs of the old town. The setting combines a religious purpose with a scenic backdrop — the riverside path is a popular spot for walkers and casual hikers, and the hermitage itself serves as a natural landmark along this stretch.

What does it look like, and how did it come to be?

What sets Ermita de los Ángeles apart is that it wasn't built from scratch: it grew out of a natural cave in the rock, later enlarged and adapted into a chapel. The interior is compact — only a few meters wide and deep — giving the space an intimate, almost hermit-like feel. From the outside, the chapel is marked by a whitewashed facade and a small bell tower built in Mudéjar style, blending Christian and Moorish architectural influences typical of the Granada region.

What is its history?

Because of its religious heritage, Alhama de Granada once had several hermitages scattered across town, with records from the late 19th century mentioning as many as six. Of that group, Ermita de los Ángeles — dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels — is the one that has survived intact, while the others have since disappeared from the townscape. The site also carries a local legend: according to tradition, in the early 16th century a young man from Alhama fell to his death from a nearby cliff. A cross was raised on the spot to mark the event, said to have been commissioned by a local noblewoman. The story remains part of the town's folklore and is still told when locals recount the area's history.

Can you visit it?

Ermita de los Ángeles remains an active place of worship, hosting masses and religious ceremonies, so access to the interior may be limited outside those times. For visitors not there for religious reasons, the main draw is the setting itself: the view of the gorge, the rock face the chapel is built into, and the quiet riverside walk leading up to it. It makes for a worthwhile short stop while exploring Alhama de Granada, especially combined with a walk through the old town and along the edge of the Tajos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ermita de los Ángeles? It's a small chapel partly carved into a rock face above the Alhama River, dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels. It's one of the last surviving historic hermitages in Alhama de Granada.

Where exactly does the chapel stand? It sits along the Camino de la Trucha route, which follows the Alhama River at the foot of the Tajos de Alhama cliffs, close to the town's historic center.

Is Ermita de los Ángeles still used for worship? Yes, it remains an active place of worship where masses and ceremonies are held, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a visit to the interior.

What legend is associated with this place? Local tradition tells of a young man from Alhama who fell to his death from a nearby cliff in the early 16th century — a cross was erected on the spot in his memory.