Hermitage of San Miguel in La Portellada

Just 500 metres from the village of La Portellada stands the hermitage of San Miguel, a simple yet sturdy rubble masonry construction. Its rectangular floor plan and single nave, covered by a bóveda de medio cañón, reflect the vernacular architecture of the Matarraña region.

Adjoining the hermitage, we find the old hermit's house, a key figure in village life. The hermit's role was to ring the bells several times a day, marking the hours for the local population, in exchange for voluntary donations from the neighbours. The last hermit, despite moving to the village, kept this tradition alive until the 1960s, a testament to the deep connection between the place and its people.

The origins of the hermitage date back to the early 18th century, when Miguel de Villarroya, an inhabitant of what was then the district of La Portellada (part of La Fresneda), funded its construction in honour of San Miguel. He also donated land whose income guaranteed the upkeep of the sanctuary, thus securing a place of devotion that has been a setting for pilgrimages from its beginnings to the present day.

The passage of time and conflicts had deteriorated the hermitage, leaving it in a state close to ruin. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of a local cultural association and numerous volunteers, between 1987 and 1988 a full restoration was carried out, returning the splendour to this historic monument. In addition to preserving the building, the association built two viewpoints with spectacular views and a children's recreational area, consolidating the hermitage as a meeting place and leisure spot for the whole community.