Ermita de Sant Antoni

Ermita de Sant Antoni is a small hermitage in la Vall d'Uixó, in the province of Castellón, perched on a hill in the San Antonio district about a kilometer from the town center. Sitting at roughly 214 meters above sea level, facing the Sant Josep area, it is a modest rural chapel — yet one that remains deeply tied to local tradition and still draws pilgrims and hikers to the hillside where it stands.

Where does this chapel come from?

The building dates to the end of the 17th century, with some records pointing to construction and later work spanning the 17th and 18th centuries. Interestingly, it was not always dedicated to Saint Anthony: it was originally known as the Ermita de Santa Bárbara. The name changed at the start of the 20th century, when a pilgrimage tradition to San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony the Abbot) began taking root in the town. The hermitage was restored on January 17, 1972 — a date that coincides with the saint's feast day.

What does the building look like?

The hermitage keeps a simple, rustic profile. A more modern annex was attached to its left side to shelter pilgrims. The main chapel is covered by a two-sloped tiled roof, and its rectangular facade is topped by a wide, Baroque-style belfry carrying a bell and a cross. The entrance is framed by a lintel built from irregular voussoirs, and above the door sits a ceramic altarpiece depicting the saint, along with an inscription naming the hermitage. It is unassuming architecture, but characteristic of the small rural chapels scattered across the Plana Baja region.

How do you get there?

Ermita de Sant Antoni sits about a kilometer from the center of la Vall d'Uixó, in the district that carries its name, on a hill visible from the surrounding area. The walk up from town is short and requires no special preparation — it is a favorite stroll for locals. The spot also serves as a starting point or waypoint for walking trails heading further into the Serra d'Espadà mountain range, including routes toward the Alt de Pipa summit, which makes it appealing to visitors looking for an easy dose of nature close to the coast.

What is there to see nearby?

The chapel itself, though small, impresses with its simplicity and the views it offers over the surrounding hills and the Sant Josep area. Nearby, it is worth visiting the well-known Coves de Sant Josep, caves with an underground river that rank among la Vall d'Uixó's main attractions. Hikers will also find trails leading toward the Serra d'Espadà, with views eventually opening up toward the coastline.

When is the best time to visit?

The most distinctive moment of the year falls on the Sunday closest to January 17, when the town celebrates the feast of San Antonio Abad, patron saint of animals. A procession sets out from the Ermita de la Sagrada Familia, carrying the saint's image on shoulders all the way to the hermitage. After mass, animals are traditionally blessed, and the grounds around the chapel turn into an open-air gathering spot where neighbors and pilgrims share meals once the religious rites are over. Outside that one day, the hermitage remains a quiet stop on the local hiking map, particularly pleasant in spring and autumn when the weather suits walks across the hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hermitage open every day? The chapel's main role is tied to the local celebration honoring the patron saint of animals; outside the main festivities, it remains a small, quiet place of worship on the hillside.

Why did the hermitage change its name? It was originally dedicated to Santa Bárbara. The change to San Antonio took place in the early 20th century, as a pilgrimage tradition to Saint Anthony the Abbot developed in the town.

How far is it from the town center? The hermitage lies about a kilometer from the center of la Vall d'Uixó, in the San Antonio district, on a small hill.

How does the site connect to hiking trails? The area around the chapel is a popular starting point for routes heading toward the Serra d'Espadà range, including the trail to the Alt de Pipa summit.