Ilumina Raia - Hermitage of Our Lady of Carrión

Located in the province of Badajoz, next to the Gévora River, on the outskirts of the town, the Hermitage of Our Lady of Carrión houses the patron saint of Albuquerque, an image of worship and popular devotion.

The town of Alburquerque is located in the Sierra de San Pedro, northwest of the province of Badajoz, in the autonomous community of Extremadura, between the city of Badajoz and the town of Valencia de Alcántara.

Known as “Los Baldíos de Alburquerque”, its landscape is covered with cork trees, and the municipality is famous for its cork production industry.

Its historic center has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Within the walls is the Albuquerque Medieval Castle (Castillo de Luna), a monument that symbolizes the strategic importance of border control in the Spanish-Portuguese coastal zone.

From Luna Castle, enjoy the breathtaking view of the village and the Hermitage of Our Lady of Carrión.

The Hermitage of Our Lady of Carrión

This place of worship, in honor of Our Lady of Carrión, the patron saint of Albuquerque, invites silence and prayer.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Carrión is located about 8 km from Albuquerque, towards La Codosera, on the right bank of the Gévora River.

The building built between the 17th and 18th centuries, with its whitewashed walls, is a place of worship appreciated by residents and pilgrims, who praise the welcoming atmosphere of faith and peace.

On the sides and on the façade, the temple's nave is surrounded by a porch with slightly lowered semicircular arches. Above the porch there is a roof terrace, with the parapet decorated with geometric ornaments.

The interior space is large and vaulted, with a remarkable width in the nave and a large longitudinal development. The ship is divided into four sections, covered by a cannon vault with lunettes.

Inside the main chapel, the splendid Baroque-Churrigueresque altarpiece (also known as Mexican Baroque), from the mid-18th century, stands out, which features a hemispherical dome on pendants.

In the center of the altarpiece, behind the crystal urn, is the Virgin of Carrión, a Renaissance-style polychrome wooden sculpture.

At the bottom of the sanctuary, there is also an open square, where the bullring, the novena house and the butler's house are located.

After visiting this sanctuary, take the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic panoramic view over the town of Albuquerque.

Curiosity

The Feast of Our Lady of Carrión takes place on September 7. The inhabitants of Albuquerque celebrate the traditional pilgrimage in honor of their patron saint, the Virgin of Carrión, and the hermitage is the meeting place and pilgrimage site.

Organized by the Governing Board of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Carrión, the program features two days of activities. The celebration includes the traditional skeet shooting tournament, the equestrian contest, the traditional games, the offering of flowers, and regional dances. In the morning of September 8, a religious celebration takes place in the hermitage, with mass followed by a procession.

To conclude the festivities, in the evening, visitors can watch the fireworks show at the Plaza de España, in the center of the village.

Local Gastronomy

Albuquerque's cuisine is a mix of Spanish and Portuguese recipes. Savor the famous migas, gazpacho from Extremadura, roasted lamb, and Quesos de la Serena, among other local specialties.

The Iberian pig is one of Extremadura's treasures. Its ham is considered one of the best in the world (Protected Designation of Origin Dehesa de Extremadura).

In addition to Iberian sausages, you can also find dishes (with cuts of meat), such as loin, sirloin, feathers, secrets, lizards, prey, cheeks and chops.

Lamb (or veal from Extremadura), whether roasted, stewed or in a “wedding stew”, is typical of the region.

The abundance of game (partridges, doves, turtledoves, rabbits, hares, wild boars and deer), which can be accompanied by a variety of mushrooms - such as tubers, wild asparagus or cardillos - is an example of avant-garde cuisine.

Tencers (fish) made in marinade, fried or marinated, compete in quality with trout, which is also fished in the region.