Ermita de San Sebastián

Ermita de San Sebastián is a small 18th-century chapel in Benamejí, a town in the province of Córdoba, Andalusia. Modest on the outside, it holds several religious images that matter deeply to the local community, making it a good stop for travelers who want to see how a small Andalusian town lives day to day, rather than just passing through on the way to the bigger sights of the Subbética region.

Where did the chapel come from?

The hermitage was commissioned by the Marquises of Benamejí — the Bernuy family — at the start of the 18th century, giving the town a dedicated place of worship for Saint Sebastian, a patron venerated across many Andalusian communities. Some local accounts also mention an older tradition linking the site to an earlier medieval building, but the 18th-century foundation by the Marquises is the version most consistently cited in regional tourism sources.

What will you see inside?

The façade is deliberately plain: a neoclassical doorway, exposed brickwork framing the entrance, and two relief crosses decorating the wall. A large brick bell tower crowns the building and is visible well beyond the immediate street, acting as a landmark in Benamejí's skyline.

Inside, the floor plan follows a Latin cross with two side chapels, home to the images most venerated by locals: Jesús del Mayor Dolor, the Holy Cross, Nuestro Padre Jesús Preso, and María Santísima de la Soledad. The austere central niche holds the Virgen de la Cabeza, with a painting of the Virgen de Guadalupe hanging above it. The chapel also houses an image of Saint Jude Thaddeus, which carries particular devotional weight for the community.

Look closely at the two interior niches attributed to the Antequera school — they stand out for their distinctive undulating domes — while the central dome bears the coat of arms of the Bernuy family, the Marquises of Benamejí, a direct reminder of who funded the building.

How do you get there?

The hermitage sits within the town of Benamejí itself, in the province of Córdoba, along the routes linking the Córdoba Subbética with the Genil valley. Driving is the easiest option, since Benamejí connects well by road to Córdoba, Antequera, and Lucena; once in town, the chapel is within easy walking distance of the centre.

When should you visit?

The chapel is woven into the town's religious calendar, so the most memorable time to visit is around the festivities tied to its venerated images, particularly in the run-up to Easter, when some of the figures take part in processions. Outside those dates, it remains a quiet, easy stop to combine with a walk through the rest of Benamejí's historic centre.

Frequently asked questions

Who built the Ermita de San Sebastián? It was commissioned by the Marquises of Benamejí, from the Bernuy family, at the start of the 18th century — confirmed by the family's coat of arms on the central dome.

What images can you see inside? The chapel houses the Virgen de la Cabeza, a painting of the Virgen de Guadalupe, Jesús del Mayor Dolor, Nuestro Padre Jesús Preso, María Santísima de la Soledad, and Saint Jude Thaddeus.

Is the chapel large? No — it's a small building with a Latin cross floor plan and two side chapels, most recognizable for its tall brick bell tower.

Can I combine the visit with other sights in Benamejí? Yes, the chapel sits in the town centre, so it's easy to pair with other stops in Benamejí and the surrounding Córdoba Subbética area.