Ermita del Soccoro

There are two chapels in the hamlet of El Socorro. The largest , located in the Plaza del Socorro, built at the end of the 16th century and a small chapel at the end of the Cuesta del Socorro from the early 20th century .

The Hermitage of Socorro was declared a cultural heritage in the monument category, as it preserves the architectural features of an ancient temple, as well as for its importance of the pilgrimage . Thousands of pilgrims gather in this small chapel every September to worship the Virgen del Socorro . The rest of the year the chapel is normally ignored as it is hidden away in the remote El Socorro neighborhood on the south coast.

The pilgrimage is a colorful event that fills the beautiful tree-lined square outside the chapel with life. It consists of two naves, with an Arabic tiled roof with a gable. Architecturally, the abtería facade and the bell tower stand out.

Inside, the sidewalk is made of chasnera stone and an oil painting of Our Lady of El Socorro , painted by Javier Eloy Campos, a resident of Güímar, stands out. The recently restored interior features an interesting selection of religious frescoes.

The original chapel is said to have been built in the first third of the 16th century near where the Virgin appeared on Chimisay beach. After a period of decline, the chapel was rebuilt at a different location at the end of the 16th century. Around 1915, a small chapel was built on the spot where the original probably stood.

Willem Vandenameele