Hermitage of San Pedro de Alcántara
The hermitage of San Pedro de Alcántara stands on an esplanade in the upper part of the village of La Ampuyenta, in the municipality of Puerto del Rosario, just behind the historic Hospitalito del Doctor Mena. Its silhouette dominates the surroundings of the valley and constitutes one of the main patrimonial and spiritual landmarks of the interior of the island.
Origin and historical evolution
The foundation of the chapel dates back to 1681, thanks to the patronage of Captain Pedro de Medina and his wife Agustina de Bethencourt, who provided the town with its own temple at a time of agricultural and population expansion in the area. During the 18th century, important expansion and renovation works were carried out, which shaped the image of the building as it is today.
From this stage date such characteristic elements as the crenellated wall or barbican, which delimits the sacred precinct, and the differentiated presbytery, giving greater hierarchy to the main liturgical space.
Unique architecture
One of the most original aspects of the hermitage is the lateral disposition of its bell tower, unusual in the religious architecture of Majorca. This is accessed through the same staircase leading to the choir, a detail that reinforces the uniqueness of the whole.
The temple, of sober proportions on the outside, surprises for the artistic wealth that it treasures in its interior, reflection of the collective effort and the symbolic value that it had for the community of La Ampuyenta.
An interior of great artistic value
The hermitage preserves a splendid polychrome wooden altarpiece, as well as other movable goods dating from the 18th century, which testify to the importance of the temple within the religious panorama of the island.
Of special relevance is the mural painting that decorates the interior of the building. Considered one of the most important preserved in the Canary Islands, where this type of artistic manifestations is not abundant, stands out for its illusionist technique, in which painting, architecture and sculpture are masterfully integrated. For the quality and uniqueness of this set, the chapel is popularly known as the “Sistine Chapel of Fuerteventura.
The painting of San Pedro de Alcántara
Among the most singular works of the temple is the painting of San Pedro de Alcántara, documented in the hermitage since the middle of the XVIII century. It is an oil on canvas located to the right of the main door, which represents St. Peter the Apostle as pontiff, portrayed full-length, seated on his chair and under a canopy of rich damasks. This work reinforces the solemn and symbolic character of the sacred space.
Heritage protection
The chapel of San Pedro de Alcántara has been declared of Cultural Interest (BIC) with the category of Monument, a distinction that recognizes its extraordinary historical, artistic and cultural value. The Hospitalito de La Ampuyenta is also included within its protection delimitation, forming a heritage complex of great coherence and relevance to the history of Fuerteventura.
A must-see place
Visiting the chapel of San Pedro de Alcantara is to discover one of the best preserved treasures of religious heritage majorero. A space where art, history and spirituality merge, offering visitors a unique experience to understand the cultural and symbolic depth of the interior of Fuerteventura.
