Hermitage of Saint Lucia and Saint Benedict

The Hermitage of Saint Lucia and Saint Benedict is a small mountain chapel above Alcossebre, a coastal district of the municipality of Alcalà de Xivert in the province of Castellón. Perched at 312 metres above sea level in the Sierra de Irta range, it has been declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, Spain's designation for protected cultural heritage.

What will you see there?

Most of the building standing today dates from the end of the 17th century and follows the Valencian Baroque style. Before that, though, a watchtower occupied the same spot — traces of it survive at the rear of the hermitage, and some accounts trace this older section back to the 16th century. Attached to the chapel is a former annex that once served as a lodging house for pilgrims and stables for travellers arriving on horseback. Two wells remain on the square in front of the building, a reminder that this was once a working rest stop along a mountain route.

The interior recently went through a thorough restoration: the vaulted ceiling and paintings were repaired, the roof was replaced, access routes were improved, and new lighting was installed, making the hermitage easier to visit today.

What is the view like from up here?

The view is one of the main reasons to make the climb. From the terrace in front of the chapel, you can pick out the Columbretes Islands out at sea, and look inland over the plains of Baix Maestrat and Plana Alta. The panorama takes in a stretch of the Costa Azahar coastline and the hills of the Sierra de Irta natural park.

How do you get to the hermitage?

The chapel sits inside the Sierra de Irta natural park, on the high ground above Alcossebre. A walking trail leads up from the town, popular with both hikers and cyclists — it climbs gradually through typical Mediterranean scrubland as it gains altitude. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to go, especially in summer, since much of the path is exposed to direct sun.

When is the best time to visit?

The hermitage comes to life twice a year around its two patron saints: on 11 June there is a pilgrimage, mass and procession honouring Saint Benedict, and on 13 December the same rituals are repeated for Saint Lucy. These dates are the best opportunity to see the chapel during its traditional local celebrations, shared by residents of Alcalà de Xivert and Alcossebre. Outside those dates, it remains a quiet viewpoint open year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Is the hermitage open to visitors? The exterior and surrounding terrace can be visited year-round, while the interior is generally opened during services and patron saint festivities — it's worth checking local opening times, as they can vary by season.

How long does the walk up take? From the lower part of Alcossebre, the hike typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour and a half, depending on your starting point and pace, climbing to the hermitage's 312-metre elevation.

What should you bring for the hike? Sturdy walking shoes, water, a hat and sunscreen — the trail runs largely through open, sun-exposed terrain within the Sierra de Irta park.

What makes this hermitage different from other sites in the region? Its distinctive character comes from combining a religious building with a defensive past — an old watchtower absorbed into the structure of a Baroque chapel — together with the sweeping view it offers over the coastline and the Columbretes Islands.