Chapel of the Virgen del Carmen

Portal capilla structures are singular architectural features of great interest in the Matarraña, whose history reflects the combination of defensive and religious functions in the architecture of the region's ancient walls. In the case of the portal capilla of Peñarroya de Tastavins, it was built in the 18th century, and on its first floor a chapel was erected and consecrated to the Virgen del Carmen.

These gateways served not only as strategic entry and exit points of the walled settlements, but also acquired a deep religious significance for the community. Each one was dedicated to a saint or virgin, and religious festivities were celebrated with great fervour in these chapels.

In Peñarroya, this gateway was one of the seven gates of the walls, which probably corresponded to the expansion of the village in the 14th century.

The date of 1763 refers to the construction of the chapel on the first floor of the gateway, which was consecrated to the Virgen del Carmen. It is in the Baroque style, built in rendered rubble masonry with ashlar masonry finishes.

For the Virgen del Carmen in Peñarroya de Tastavins, her feast day on 16 July was a very special occasion for the whole community. The chapel became the epicentre of various religious and cultural activities, bringing residents together around their devotion and traditions.

The tradition of the “Oferta”, whereby the community donated household items for auction in order to raise funds for the festivities and the upkeep of the chapel, as well as the celebration of the novena and other rituals, are vivid examples of how religious and cultural life revolved around these portal capilla structures in the walled settlements of the Matarraña. Furthermore, the mention of traditional games such as the plantada del “Maio” shows how these festivities were moments of celebration and enjoyment for the local community, strengthening social and cultural bonds.