Logbook · 4 places

Shrine of la Balma

Zorita del Maestrazgo, Els Ports, Castellón

1 Villages · 1 Monuments · 1 Historical milestones · 1 Food and drink

Spain › Valencian Community › Castellón › Els Ports › Zorita del Maestrazgo › Shrine of la Balma

Shrine of la Balma

Monument · Zorita del Maestrazgo, Els Ports, Castellón

The sanctuary of the Virgin of la Balma is located 3 km from the town centre of Zorita del Maestrazgo (Sorita in Valencian), beside the river Bergantes, carved into a balma or rock shelter. It is a religious building in Renaissance style built between the 16th and 18th centuries on a hermitage documented since 1380, then dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint Blaise, which around 1437 came to be dedicated to the Virgin. The most important work was carried out between 1666 and 1670, with the enlargement of the nave, the bell tower and the doorway. It was an important centre of pilgrimage for people from Castellón and Teruel, including women who came from Aragon seeking to be cured of supposed demonic possession. It has been declared a historic-artistic monument since 1979.

Photo: Kriegerkalle (Public domain)

What to see and do in Zorita del Maestrazgo