The Ermita del Rosario and San Sebastián, a charming and historically rich chapel, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past, tracing its origins to a time shrouded in mystery. Although the exact date of its construction remains unknown, it is believed that the chapel dates back to the Fernando period or the latter third of the 14th century, shortly after the arrival of the Black Plague in the area. This connection to San Sebastián, the patron saint revered for his protection against diseases and epidemics, suggests that the chapel may have been built as a sanctuary to ward off the ravages of such calamities. Its location, situated outside the town walls, further reinforces this hypothesis, as many similar chapels were often built in remote or peripheral areas, especially in response to health crises.
The chapel served as the parish church of the town until the mid-17th century. During this time, it was the center of religious life for the local community. However, as the current parish church underwent renovations, the role of the Ermita del Rosario and San Sebastián gradually diminished. By the time these changes were completed, the chapel, which also had an adjacent cemetery, began to be abandoned in favor of the new church building, reflecting a shift in the spiritual and architectural priorities of the town.
One of the most striking features of the Ermita del Rosario and San Sebastián is its Baroque-style façade. The entrance is framed by a lintel arch, above which a broken pediment houses a niche. This niche is flanked by intricate scrolls, or volutes, and the entire structure is crowned by a series of pinnacles. The central pinnacle adds a sense of grandeur and balance to the composition, while the espadaña (bell tower) at the top completes the impressive architectural ensemble, drawing the eye upward and offering a sense of verticality and elegance typical of Baroque design.
