Santiponce Itálica

Heritage

An immense legacy waiting to be discovered

Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Chapel

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In the foothills of Sierra Morena, near the Las Torres stream, which marks the boundary between the municipalities of Gerena and Guillena, the image of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación was seen in a stone cave or grotto by a man who was riding through the area, causing his horse to bolt in fear resisting all his efforts to restrain it.

It galloped madly across the mountainside, but did not manage to throw its rider, who was hanging on for grim death. The horse was blind with fear, galloping inexorably towards an imposing precipice, and the man was convinced that they would fall to their death. But, oh wonder of wonders! At the critical moment, just as they reached the edge of the cliff, he invoked Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, and the horse suddenly lost its strength, pulling to a halt at the very edge of the precipice, and leaving its hoof-print engraved in the stone, as can still be seen today. When the rider dismounted, he discovered that the sacred image of the Virgin was hidden beneath the horse. He venerated her, thanked her, and ran to tell the news of the astonishing event, which spread quickly through the surrounding villages.

However, since the miraculous image had been found in the municipality of Guillena, to which the other side of the stream belonged, it was immediately taken to the Parish Church. Nevertheless, it didn't take long before, doubtless at the instructions of the Virgin, a chapel was built by the residents of Gerena to commemorate the unique and extraordinary event near the site of the apparition, at the highest point in the area, at the foot of the mountain range that towers over the extensive plain, among the greenery and freshness of the surroundings of the stream, which gives it a pleasant atmosphere during the hot season when all around is dry and arid. From the site of the chapel you can see many villages and hamlets, as well as Seville and even the Morón mountain range. It is difficult to imagine a more beautiful and picturesque spot.

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