Oratorio Rupestre de Valdecanales
This sixth- or seventh-century Visigothic Oratory is a monumental complex made up of three caves excavated from a layer of sandstone and protected with granite. It was discovered by Rafael Vañó Silvestre in 1968. The main cave has a monumental facade simulated by a porch in the form of blind arcades with classic horseshoe arches, all carved into the slope of the hill. Its interior represents a chapel with three naves with barrel vaults on square pilasters. The other two smaller caves, also with barrel vaults and apsidioles, could have been used as a baptistery and refectory.
The Oratory is the only one of its kind left in southern Spain. It is not in very good condition and is also on private land. It has been used as a refuge in the past, mainly for shepherds. Declared a Historic Artistic monument on 21 March 1970.
Location
Located close to the Giribaile Reservoir, 8km north of the town, off the JV-6041.