Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Hoz

Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Hoz

The Sanctuary is located within the Alto Tajo Natural Parkis located in an incomparable natural setting known as the "La Hoz Ravine"shaped by the waters of the Gallo River, very close to the towns of Corduente y Torete.

Pilgrims and visitors are surprised by its great beauty, they pass the threshold of the door and climb the steps up to the door of the hermitage which announces the proximity of the image of the Virgen de la Hoz. On entering we are surprised by the sobriety of the temple and the altarpiece in which the Virgen de la Hoz shines in its ogival vault.

Many are those who only pass by and see the stones and ornaments of the hermitage, but many others pray in silence, love and consolation.

According to the legend, the image of the Virgin was found by a young boy from Suction cup in the year 1129, while searching for a lost cow. The image was hidden among the rocks in this area to avoid being profaned during the Muslim invasion. A hermitage dug into the rock was built there and some canons of the Order of St. Augustine settled there. Together with the hermitage there are some outbuildings built in later times, a fountain and an old inn.

To access it, cross a vestibule marked by a Renaissance-style semicircular arch and go up a flight of steps. The church is on the right hand side. It has a rectangular floor plan with a single nave and a choir loft at the foot. It was built with good quality ashlar, well carved and set and has a beautiful pointed arch doorway with six archivolts and smooth capitals. The temple It is topped on the outside by a small triangular belfry with only one semicircular arched opening.