Top 6 Things to do in Canillas de Albaida, Andalucia

Reviewed By Vladius - Perth and Kinross, United Kingdom

My paternal grandmother lived in neighbouring Competa for 20 years. During this time my family made many visits to the area. A Sunday tradition was to walk from Competa to Canillas de Albaida; the path ending at Ermita de Santa Ana. The building has stood for hundreds of years and has witnessed so much. According to my grandmother, it was initially constructed as a mosque, which is believable given that it still features a circular dome of sorts. Following Spain's transition to Christianity from Islam, the building was converted into a chapel. What captivates me so much about Santa Ana is its simplicity and rustic beauty. Whilst still standing strong, the building is somewhat worn and haggard, however, this attracts me to it even more. One cannot help but lay a hand on the white walls in hope of delving into the memory of this architectural gem. Since I first visited the area in 1989 I have never been inside it as the door has always been locked, fortunately, there is a viewing panel. On my latest visit, I peered in to witness a collection of lit candles lined up neatly on the floor by the altar, completely unattended. Whilst some may consider this dangerous, for me, I was looking directly into this building's soul. Spain's history across the previous centuries has been turbulent, to say the least. The Santa Ana and similar buildings no matter how simple or insignificant are a testimony to mankind's capacity to survive the darkest times and stand as a beacon of hope and peace.