Puntos de Interés
Culture
Chapel of San Vicente
The chapel of San Vicente is a small temple located on the outskirts of the historic centre of Tordesillas, on the road that leads to the town of Torrecilla de la Abadesa.
The chapel is situated on a hillock on the right bank of the Duero River. It was constructed in the 18th century using brick and rammed earth. From this location, visitors can enjoy a comprehensive view of the surrounding area, including the entire plain and the city of Tordesillas.
The stone doorway with a voussoir-shaped lintel is a notable feature. The church also features an apse comprising three walls and a wooden roof with a brick belfry, also dating from the 8th century. This structure houses a bell that has been preserved. The exterior of the building features a portico with four columns that have been painted white and tile-coloured.
On 22 January, Tordesillas commemorates the feast of San Vicente, the patron saint for whom this chapel was erected. In the past, members of the confraternity organised an ancient tradition that consisted of the sacrifice of five roosters at the doors of the temple.
The act was highly symbolic. The five animals were secured by tying their legs to a rope attached to a pole and to one of the columns of the portico. At this point, a girl was selected, provided with a sword, and blindfolded. He was required to swing his sword into the wind to catch the roosters.
Meanwhile, a musical ensemble performed and distributed sweet treats known locally as "monkeys" to attendees. The town of Tordesillas is home to several traditional confectioners who continue to produce this type of candy in a variety of animal shapes.
Following a series of protests by animal rights groups, the practice of slaughtering animals in the municipality was discontinued.