Puntos de Interés
Culture
Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias de la Palma
Located in the impressive surroundings of the las Angustias ravine, in the municipality of Los Llanos de Aridane (island of La Palma), is the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias. This monument stands out for its location, surrounded by vegetation, banana fields and the rugged landscape of the slopes of the ravine.
The sanctuary was built in the 16th century in the Baroque style. It was erected to house a polychrome wood carving of Flemish origin, representing the Pietà: the Virgin Mary cradling her crucified son in her arms. The sculpture arrived on La Palma between 1515 and 1522. The carving is striking for the contrast of the Virgin's upright, seated posture as she holds the forced curvature of her son's body in her lap.
The façade has baroque elements, including a triple niche that houses the image of the Virgin Mary. Inside, a baroque altarpiece and a central niche enhance the presence of the sculpture. The chapel also houses an imperial crown, Christ's potencies and a large cross, all made of silver.
Every 15th August the sanctuary attracts devotees and pilgrims for the procession of the Virgin to Calvary. Eight days later, the "octava" is celebrated with another procession around the sanctuary, making it a spiritual and cultural meeting point for pilgrims from all over the island.