Near
Sea You Apartamentos Port Saplaya you can enjoy a hermitage with
an unparalleled history and very picturesque architecture . The Hermitage of Peixets is one of the
hidden treasures of Alboraya .
Legend of the Peixets hermitage
The name of the hermitage, which literally means “the hermitage of the little fishes” comes from the legend to which it refers. It is also known as the Hermitage of Our Lady of Miracles.
Legend has it that around the year 1348, an inhabitant of Almàssera was on the verge of death and called the priest of Alboraya so he could confess before his time came.
The priest was walking along the Carraixet ravine, but fell into the water. In the accident, he lost the box of hosts as he had to get out of the water quickly to save his life. When he got out and saw the situation, the priest decided to return home. However, shortly afterwards some farmers came to find him to tell him that three fish had collected the hosts . In this way, the priest was able to recover them and fulfil the sick man's last wishes.
Years later, a chapel was built in this place in commemoration. The chalice is preserved in the chapel. In Almàssera, a chapel was built, “Capella del Miracle dels Peixets” where the casket of the hosts is preserved.
The miracle is commemorated with a pilgrimage on Pentecost Monday from the village to the hermitage. Furthermore, that is the only day on which the interior can be visited.
Location and architecture of the Ermita dels peixets
The hermitage is located on the right bank of the Carraixet ravine , on the seashore, where the miracle is believed to have occurred. It is a unique natural landscape, the perfect place for an excursion or a walk with family or friends.
This small chapel was built in 1907 in the neo-Gothic style and has a rectangular floor plan. The façade is divided vertically into three parts separated by buttresses and topped with decorative pinnacles. The central part is wider and is where the entrance door is located.
On the main altar we can see a ceramic panel depicting the miracle that the hermitage honours. This panel is surrounded by marble supported by two columns. The interior is covered by a brick barrel vault. The hermitage is considered a cultural asset by the Generalitat Valenciana.
Importance and controversy The hermitage of Peixets
As with any tradition or legend, there is some controversy between the two towns involved. The inhabitants of Almàssera maintain that there were two fish in the legend and in Alboraya there were three (each with its corresponding host). For this reason, the commemorative works in the respective towns have a different number of fish .
The Hermitage of Peixets is located on the path of different routes or greenways such as Via Xurra. Its proximity to the town of Alboraya and Port Saplaya make it a place to go to spend a pleasant afternoon. It is a short drive or bike ride or a pleasant walk away to enjoy the coastal scenery. It is a very simple route and is well signposted. In addition, there is an area with tables and benches ideal for eating something.
Planes
