The Vía Sacra of Cretas: history and landscape

The Vía Sacra of Cretas is a trail of deep historical significance and natural beauty, connecting the picturesque village of Cretas with the venerable hermitage of the Virgen de la Misericordia. This route not only invites introspection, but also delights with unforgettable landscapes.

As early as 1739, Padre Faci, in his work "Aragón, reino de Cristo y dote de María Santísima", documented the existence of this Vía Sacra, describing it as a path dotted with religious motifs that linked the village and its hermitage.

The final stretch of the Vía Sacra is particularly impressive, offering panoramic views embracing the majestic Puertos de Horta de Sant Joan, Arnes and Beceite. This point acts as a natural watershed between the basins of the Algars and Matarraña rivers, highlighting the geographical singularity of the area.

Originally, the Vía Sacra set out from Cretas along the old road to Calaceite, distinguished by its two Bancs de la Paciència carved directly into the rock. It also passed by what is today the village cemetery. However, the construction of the A-1413 road towards Calaceite in 1910 drastically altered the route, dividing the path and, unfortunately, resulting in the removal of one of these singular benches. Today, one of them survives, a silent witness to the passage of time and devotion.

The crowning point of the Vía Sacra is the hermitage of la Misericordia, a magnificent 16th-century construction. Recognised as one of the architectural gems of Aragon, this hermitage not only displays its own Renaissance splendour, but also incorporates constructive elements from the earlier 14th-century church of Cretas, offering a fascinating dialogue between different historical periods and artistic styles.