Ermita dels Sants de la Pedra (Abdón i Senén)

Standing on a low hill in the Sant Salvador district, beside the marshland and the Albufera Nature Park, the Ermita dels Sants de la Pedra in Cullera is dedicated to Abdón and Senén, the Saints of the Stone, traditional protectors of the harvest across these rice-growing and market-garden lands. Its hilltop setting offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the area.

History

Medieval in origin (13th century), the hermitage was enlarged in the 17th century, which explains the plain, sturdy character of a rural sanctuary tied to life in the fields. Devotion to the Saints of the Stone took root among farmers and rice growers, who looked to them for protection against hail and the weather that threatened the crop. Today the building also houses the Rice Museum, which tells the story of the region's rice-growing culture.

What to see

The main draw is the natural viewpoint over the rice fields, which shift colour with the seasons: the mirror of flooded water, the deep green of growth and the gold of harvest time.

• Views over the rice fields in every phase and across the Albufera lagoon.
• The interior of the hermitage and the Rice Museum exhibition.
• The pilgrimage on 26 July, a crowded gathering that fills the hill with locals and pilgrims.

Visiting tips

• Check the opening hours before heading up, as they are limited.
• Come at sunrise or sunset for the best light over the rice fields.
• Pair it with a day exploring Cullera and its natural surroundings.