Ermita de San Segundo - Image 1
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Ermita de San Segundo

4.1
·26 reviews·Ávila, Spain

A 12th-century Romanesque hermitage on the Adaja River, significant for its portal and connection to Saint Segundo.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends (if open)

Potentially more open hours

CrowdLow
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Ermita de San Segundo - Image 1

Ermita de San Segundo

Best Time

Weekends (if open)

Potentially more open hours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 12th-century Romanesque hermitage on the Adaja River, significant for its portal and connection to Saint Segundo.

4.1
(26 reviews)

"A beautiful Romanesque gem by the river, though often closed to visitors."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Hours First

Access can be limited; verify visiting hours beforehand to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:

Appreciate the Romanesque Art

Don't miss the detailed carvings on the southern portal's archivolts. :art:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Romanesque Portal

Romanesque Portal

Southern facade

Admire the five archivolts on columns, adorned with plant motifs, glyphs, and harpies. A true medieval masterpiece.

Adaja River Setting

Adaja River Setting

Banks of the Adaja River

Enjoy the serene location of the hermitage by the Adaja River, offering a peaceful escape just outside Ávila's walls.

Original Main Door

Original Main Door

Current main door

Note the cross on the current main door, marking the spot where the original entrance is walled up, adding a layer of historical intrigue.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Ermita de San Segundo

The Ermita de San Segundo is a historic hermitage, and access can be limited. Check local tourism information for any scheduled opening times, as it's often closed to visitors. Planning your visit around potential open hours is key to experiencing this Romanesque gem.

Understanding the Hermitage's Significance

This 12th-century hermitage, dedicated to Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucia before housing the relics of Saint Segundo, is a significant historical site. Its Romanesque portal with intricate archivolts is a notable feature, offering a glimpse into medieval artistry and religious history.

Best Times

When
Weekends (if open)
Why
Potentially more open hours
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ermita San Segundo Ávila patrón de Avila
mario_ciclista_gravel
36 likes • 168 views

Check Opening Hours First

Access can be limited; verify visiting hours beforehand to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:

Appreciate the Romanesque Art

Don't miss the detailed carvings on the southern portal's archivolts. :art:

Enjoy the Riverside Location

The hermitage's setting by the Adaja River is peaceful and scenic. :river:

Look for Historical Clues

Observe the cross marking the original, walled-up entrance. :key:

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Hours First

Access can be limited; verify visiting hours beforehand to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:

Appreciate the Romanesque Art

Don't miss the detailed carvings on the southern portal's archivolts. :art:

Enjoy the Riverside Location

The hermitage's setting by the Adaja River is peaceful and scenic. :river:

Look for Historical Clues

Observe the cross marking the original, walled-up entrance. :key:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(26 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Ermita de San Segundo to be a historically significant and architecturally interesting site, particularly its Romanesque portal. However, many are disappointed by its frequent closure, making interior access difficult and limiting the overall visitor experience. Its peaceful riverside setting is often praised.

"Avila
A walk around the walled city of Ávila. It is a city in the rolling hill country northwest of Madrid. It’s best known for its intact medieval city walls, with 80-plus crenelated, semicircular towers (compared to Conwy Castle’s 21) and 9 gates, including the arched El Alcázar, on the eastern side. Long sections atop the walls are walkable. Very much like Conwy but without an actual dog’s mutts castle! A stunning stunning place to spend the day ❤️.

World Heritage Site
No 6. Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches (Nine of them). This being one of them."

david howells

"Hermitage outside the city of Ávila, very close to the Adaja River. It's very simple. The most notable thing is a cross on the current main door, since what seems to be the original is walled up, and the details of the archivolts, in the shape of a flower, are very attractive. It dates back to the 12th century. The interior seems difficult to visit, since it is rarely open."

Andrés Navarro

"This hermitage, located outside the walls of Ávila, on the banks of the Adaja River, was built in Cali granite between 1130 and 1160. Its previous dedication was to Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucia, until the relics of Saint Segundo, the first bishop of Ávila and one of the Apostolic Men sent to evangelize Hispania by Saints Peter and Paul, were discovered in 1615.

The building has a basilica plan, with three naves and a triple-apse chancel. Although it was extensively renovated in the 16th century, it retains its Romanesque southern portal with five archivolts on columns with capitals decorated with plants, glyphs, and harpies."

Alberto S.

What People Like

Romanesque portal details
Riverside location
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Often closed to visitors
Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Ermita de San Segundo is located just outside the walls of Ávila, near the Adaja River. It's a short distance from the city center, making it accessible by a pleasant walk or a short drive. Many visitors enjoy walking along the riverbanks to reach it, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape and the city walls.

While specific parking facilities might be limited due to its location, visitors can often find street parking in the vicinity. It's advisable to check for designated parking areas upon arrival, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Information on direct public transport routes to the hermitage can be scarce. It's best to consult local Ávila transport schedules or consider a taxi for a convenient journey if walking or driving is not an option.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Unfortunately, the Ermita de San Segundo is often closed to visitors, and specific opening hours are not consistently advertised. Travelers have noted that it's 'rarely open' and 'closed to visitors,' so it's recommended to check with Ávila's tourism office for any potential scheduled access or events.Reddit

As the hermitage is frequently closed, there isn't a standard ticket purchase system. If there are any special openings or guided tours, information would likely be available through local tourism channels.

Visiting the interior is difficult as it is rarely open. Many visitors report being unable to enter, so it's best to manage expectations and appreciate its exterior architecture and setting.Reddit

Specific guided tours for the hermitage are not commonly advertised. However, some general tours of Ávila might include a stop or mention of the hermitage. Inquiring with local tour operators in Ávila is recommended.

📸 📸 Photography

The Romanesque southern portal with its detailed archivolts is a prime subject for photography. The exterior architecture, especially the cross on the main door, and the scenic riverside location also offer great photo opportunities.Reddit

Since access to the interior is very limited, taking photos inside is generally not possible. Focus on capturing the beauty of its exterior and its picturesque surroundings.

Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the textures of the stone and the atmosphere of the riverside setting. Consider the angle of the sun to best capture the details of the Romanesque portal.

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

Dating back to the 12th century, the hermitage was initially dedicated to Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucia. It gained prominence after the relics of Saint Segundo, the first bishop of Ávila, were discovered there in 1615. It's also noted that Lope de Vega spent his last years here as a priest.Reddit

The hermitage is primarily Romanesque, built in Cali granite between 1130 and 1160. While it underwent renovations in the 16th century, it retains its original Romanesque southern portal with five archivolts and decorated capitals.

The southern portal is a key feature, showcasing five archivolts supported by columns. The capitals are intricately decorated with motifs of plants, glyphs, and mythical creatures like harpies, representing significant Romanesque artistry.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history and architecture, the Ermita de San Segundo offers a tangible connection to the Romanesque period. The intricately carved southern portal with its archivolts and decorated capitals is a highlight, showcasing medieval artistry.Reddit The hermitage's association with Saint Segundo, the first bishop of Ávila, and the potential connection to Lope de Vega add significant historical depth. While interior access is often restricted, the exterior and its setting provide ample material for study and appreciation.

Peace Seekers & Nature Lovers

The Ermita de San Segundo provides a tranquil escape, situated peacefully on the banks of the Adaja River.Reddit Its location just outside the bustling city walls of Ávila offers a serene environment perfect for quiet contemplation or a leisurely stroll. The natural beauty of the riverside setting complements the historical significance of the hermitage, making it an ideal spot for visitors seeking a moment of calm away from the crowds.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel: The Romanesque Portal

The Ermita de San Segundo boasts a remarkable Romanesque portal that stands as a testament to medieval craftsmanship. Dating back to the 12th century, this southern entrance features five distinct archivolts, each intricately carved and supported by columns. The capitals atop these columns are particularly noteworthy, adorned with a fascinating array of motifs including delicate plant designs, symbolic glyphs, and the mythical harpies.Reddit These detailed carvings offer a glimpse into the artistic and symbolic language of the Romanesque period, making the portal a focal point for anyone appreciating historical architecture.

While the hermitage itself underwent renovations in the 16th century, the preservation of this original Romanesque portal is a significant achievement. Visitors often marvel at the skill and artistry involved in creating such detailed stonework, especially considering the era. The portal is not just an entrance but a piece of art that tells a story of faith and history, making it a must-see element of the Ermita de San Segundo.Reddit

A Place of Spiritual Significance and Historical Layers

The Ermita de San Segundo holds deep spiritual and historical importance for Ávila. Originally dedicated to Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucia, its significance grew immensely in 1615 with the discovery of the relics of Saint Segundo, the first bishop of Ávila and a figure sent to evangelize Hispania by Saints Peter and Paul. This discovery transformed the hermitage into a key pilgrimage site and cemented its connection to the city's foundational religious history.Reddit

Adding another layer to its history, it's believed that the renowned Spanish playwright and poet Lope de Vega spent his final years here, serving as a priest. This connection to a literary giant further enriches the hermitage's narrative, blending religious history with cultural heritage. Despite its historical weight, many visitors note the challenge of accessing the interior, with the original main door being walled up and a cross marking its former location, adding a touch of mystery to its past.Reddit

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