The Hermitage of the Rogativa in Moratalla

The Santuario de la Rogativa is a hermitage situated in Moratalla, Region of Murcia, at an altitude of 1285 meters near the Revolcadores massif. The construction dates back to the 16th century and the site is built using materials characteristic of the area, including brick, wood, and stone. The building suffered a fire that destroyed part of its infrastructure, leading to a renovation in the 17th century. Inside, a notable feature is the camarín, which contains a dome with paintings that have been preserved since that period.

Local legend tells of a shepherd named Ginés Martínez Cuenca who, in May 1535, saw a white dove emerge from the fields and struck it with a stone. According to the story, the dove transformed into the virgin, who requested the construction of a hermitage to evangelize the Moriscos from the Alpujarras wars. Initial construction attempts at the site of the appearance reportedly vanished overnight, leading people to move the project to its current location. In this new spot, it was said that the work completed during the day would double by night.

As a result of the stone thrown by the shepherd, the virgin is said to have a gap in her forehead with a small amount of blood. A white kiosk was built at the original site of the appearance to mark the spot. Today, the complex and its adjacent buildings are declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, categorized as a monument by a decree from May 18, 1982. The site remains a point of interest where pilgrims gather to honor the virgin de la Rogativa.

Sources: https://www.culturaydeporte.gob.es/cultura/patrimonio/bienes-culturales-protegidos.html

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons