The hermitage of San Lorenzo is a point of reference for the people of La Valldigna. Apart from its sanctuary, it is a meeting point that is particularly praised for its surroundings. In a natural environment that combines height with views, and movement with escape, the modest construction connects with the landscape.
Easily accessible on foot and by car, it has a recreational area with barbecues and on special days of the saint’s calendar, the faithful come to visit.
Located in the Racó de Joana spot, the simple construction itself is quite recent considering the long tradition that accompanies it.
The foundations of the erection of the hermitage have an explanation that leads us to look back to medieval times, when the Moors were the masters of our lands and the valley had reduced manifestations of a self-sufficient Saracen population.
In the best times of the Alcúdia farmhouse, when it was still active and had a life of its own, it had a religious centre, and we calculate that it was there that the Christian hermitage dedicated to San Lorenzo was erected.
Once the Christians emigrated to more consolidated settlements, some chose to move to Favara and others to Tavernes. In this way, the old chapel of San Lorenzo, located in Teularet, was consolidated in Tavernes. It was dismantled during the construction of the A-7 motorway as it passed through the valley.
In its place, another one was built in Racó de Joana, which is the one that everyone knows today, and which part of the Christian population visits.
On the 10th of August, the day of San Lorenzo, a pilgrimage is held to the hermitage and a popular porrat around the sanctuary.
