Chapel of Saint Anne

The Chapel of Saint Anne, locally known as Ermita de Santa Ana, is a hidden gem nestled in the charming town of Gandia, Spain. This quaint sanctuary, perched on a small limestone hill, offers not only a spiritual retreat but also a panoramic view that stretches from the city of Gandia to the distant horizon of the Mediterranean Sea and the Cape of San Antonio. As you approach the chapel, you are immediately struck by its serene and picturesque setting, making it an ideal spot for both reflection and exploration.

The History of the Chapel of Saint Anne

The origins of the Chapel of Saint Anne date back to the 14th century, with its first documented mention in 1372. The chapel's construction likely took place between the 14th and 15th centuries, and it has undergone several renovations over the centuries. One of the most significant aspects of its history is the image of Saint Anne, believed to have been created around 1350. By 1421, it was already a tradition to carry the image of Saint Anne in processions to seek her intervention in times of drought, epidemics, floods, and other calamities.

In 1782, an urn was placed in Gandia to house the image of Saint Anne whenever it was brought down to the city for special purposes. Saint Anne was the patron saint of Gandia until 1882, when the Virgin Mary of the Forsaken was chosen as the new patroness, aligning the city with Valencia. This change led to a decline in the devotion to Saint Anne and had economic repercussions, particularly in the silk industry, which regarded Saint Anne as its protector.

Throughout its history, the chapel also served as a quarantine site for patients suffering from plague, cholera, and leprosy from the 16th to the 19th century. This function earned the surrounding neighborhood the name Nazaret, as documented by the Piarist fathers in 1807. The Jesuit order attempted to take over the chapel in 1581 but was unsuccessful. In 1809, the administration of the chapel passed to the Piarist fathers of the Pious Schools of Gandia, who managed the surrounding lands until their abandonment in the late 20th century.

During the Spanish Civil War, the chapel fell into disrepair as resources were diverted to restore the Piarist school and church in the city. However, in 1943, the image of Saint Anne was returned to the chapel, and the celebration of her feast day on July 26 resumed. The chapel underwent its most recent renovation in 1977, with the help of the Piarist fathers, the local government, and donations from the community, resulting in the installation of electricity and water.

Exploring the Chapel of Saint Anne

Visitors to the Chapel of Saint Anne are greeted by a modest yet charming facade. The chapel is constructed of brick and masonry, with a gabled roof. Two original arches from the 14th and 15th centuries have been preserved: one in the southern wall, behind the current hermit's house, and another between the presbytery and the archive. These pointed arches, made of brick, contrast beautifully with the Baroque reconstruction of the 18th century.

The southern wall is adjoined by the hermit's house, a small two-story building with a kitchen, dining room, and living room on the ground floor, and bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. The staircase leading to the upper floor features characteristic Valencian tiles with floral motifs. The northern wall of the chapel has buttresses supporting the structure, and an accessible courtyard with a well that leads to an underground cistern used to collect rainwater from the roof.

The chapel's facade was restored in 1982, featuring decorative moldings with dentils that create a transitional effect between the curved upper part and the plain lower part. The facade also displays the coat of arms of the Pious Schools, added in the early 19th century. The belfry is formed by a broken mixtilinear pediment with two Doric pilasters at the top. Visitors ascend a staircase to reach the atrium, passing through a simple archway topped with a balcony.

Inside, the chapel consists of a single nave covered by three semicircular arches with lunettes, forming three sections. The cornice is adorned with dentil moldings, creating an undulating rhythm that frames the beginning of the arches and the triumphal arch. The small spaces under the arches house images, much like chapels in larger churches. One notable feature is the pulpit, accessed by a staircase and polygonal in shape, located between the first and second sections on the left pillar.

The Calvary and the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene

The ascent to the Chapel of Saint Anne is marked by the Calvary, a path built in 1925, featuring stations of the cross dispersed along the hill. After the Spanish Civil War, the faithful renovated the Calvary, covering the roofs of the small shelters housing the stations. The final stations are located on the esplanade in front of the chapel. Midway along the Calvary path is the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene, reconstructed in 1994 with a gabled roof and rectangular plan. The entrance is decorated with two tiles: one depicting the coat of arms of the Piarist Order and another showing Mary Magdalene with the resurrected Christ.

In conclusion, the Chapel of Saint Anne is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich history and enduring faith of the people of Gandia. Its serene location, historical significance, and architectural charm make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat, a glimpse into the past, or simply a beautiful view, the Chapel of Saint Anne offers a unique and memorable experience.