Ermita del Pópul

On the edge of the old town of Xàbia, at the end of the Camino de la Ermita del Pópul and surrounded by open country, stands one of the oldest structures in the municipality. It is a small whitewashed chapel of humble lines that still keeps the flavour of rural Xàbia, looking out over a quiet setting with fine views of the valley. A corner of history for anyone seeking the town's lesser-known heritage.

History

The chapel belongs to the so-called ermitas de la Reconquista, built in the 15th and 16th centuries to reaffirm Christianity after the conquest of the Kingdom of Valencia. Small, austere and scattered across the land, these buildings dotted the rural landscape and served as places of devotion for the farmers of the surrounding fields. Its very plainness is what makes it valuable: it is a direct witness to the Xàbia of centuries past.

What to see

What the visitor finds is humble, whitewashed architecture, true to the modest style of Valencian rural chapels of the era. The real appeal lies as much in the building as in its setting: a peaceful patch of countryside with open views across the valley.

Tips for your visit

• Walk or cycle out from the centre to enjoy the stroll through the fields.
• Wear comfortable shoes; access is along rural paths.
• Pair it with a visit to the historic centre of Xàbia to better understand the town.
• Respect the surroundings and the quiet of the place.