Ermita de Sarsa

Ermita de Sarsa is a small Romanesque chapel in Jaca, in the Spanish province of Huesca, Aragón, standing today at the foot of the Peña Oroel mountain. Its plain stone walls hide a history that begins in an 11th-century village that no longer exists.

Where did the chapel originally stand?

The building started out as the parish church of Villar de Sarsa, a small settlement on the southern slope of Peña Oroel, a few kilometers from Jaca. It was built in the 11th century in the rural Romanesque style typical of this part of the Pyrenees, and its portal, decorated with archivolts, was added in the 12th century.

Why was it moved to Jaca?

Villar de Sarsa was gradually abandoned by its residents, and the village had disappeared by around 1970. Left empty, the church fell into disrepair, and in 1972 it was dismantled and rebuilt in Jaca, where it now stands in a garden area along the town's promenade.

What changed when it was rebuilt?

The reconstruction was not an exact copy of the original. Romanesque apses traditionally face east, but the one in Jaca faces west, a change made to fit the new plot. The nave was also shortened to fit the available garden space. The church originally had two doorways; only the south one survived, and during the rebuild it was moved to the west end of the nave.

What is there to see inside?

The interior is modest, holding the remains of an old stone altar. The main draw, however, is the portal itself, with its 12th-century Romanesque archivolts, considered the most valuable part of the building.

How to visit

Ermita de Sarsa stands at Avenida de Oroel 34 in Jaca, in an easily accessible part of town near wheelchair-accessible parking. Viewing the exterior and portal is free and possible year-round; visitors often describe it as a small, little-known gem of the town.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Ermita de Sarsa? The chapel dates from the 11th century, with a portal and archivolts added in the 12th century.

Is this its original location? No. It originally stood in Villar de Sarsa, an abandoned village at the foot of Peña Oroel, and was moved to Jaca in 1972.

Can visitors go inside? Interior access is limited, but the exterior and portal can be viewed freely throughout the year.

Is there an entrance fee? No, viewing the monument from outside is free.