DESCRIPTION
Civil construction located next to the hermitage of the Virgen de la Cueva, in the Sierra de Lares, historically linked to the care and maintenance of the sanctuary. The building, known as Caretaker’s House, traditionally served as the residence of the caretaker responsible for guarding the hermitage and as a place of shelter and rest for pilgrims visiting the religious site.
The building forms part of the historical and devotional ensemble associated with the Virgen de la Cueva, patron saint of Esparragosa de Lares.
HISTORY
The Caretaker’s House was historically intended to house the caretaker responsible for the hermitage of the Virgen de la Cueva, as well as to serve as a refuge for pilgrims ascending to the sanctuary.
For decades the building remained in a state of ruin, surviving only as testimony to the former religious complex located next to the hermitage.
With the creation in 1991 of the Cultural and Tourist Association “Lacimurga”, made up of various towns in the area including Esparragosa de Lares, a project was promoted to recover and restore this historic building. The intervention aimed to return the property to its traditional appearance and recover one of its historical functions as a welcoming space for visitors and pilgrims. The Town Hall of Esparragosa de Lares also participated in financing the restoration works.
The blessing of the building and the official handover of the keys took place in November 2000, when the Casa del Santero reopened its doors for activities linked to the surroundings of the Ermita de la Virgen de la Cueva.
HISTORICAL AND ARTISTIC DESCRIPTION
The Caretaker’s House constitutes a traditional construction integrated into the immediate surroundings of the Ermita de la Virgen de la Cueva, adapted to the needs of lodging, surveillance and assistance for pilgrims.
The building forms part of the architectural ensemble associated with the sanctuary and maintains a close landscape and functional relationship with the hermitage located on the elevation of the Sierra de Lares.
The restoration carried out at the end of the 20th century sought to recover the original appearance of the building and guarantee its conservation, preventing the definitive disappearance of one of the historic constructions linked to the principal devotional site of Esparragosa de Lares.
FIGURES AND ENTITIES RELATED TO THE POI
The building was historically linked to the figure of the caretaker responsible for the maintenance and guardianship of the Ermita de la Virgen de la Cueva.
The rehabilitation of the Caretaker’s House was promoted by the Cultural and Tourist Association “Lacimurga”, also involving the participation of the Town Hall of Esparragosa de Lares.
MOVABLE HERITAGE
The building preserves elements linked to its traditional use as a welcoming and support space for the sanctuary of the Virgen de la Cueva.
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
The Caretaker’s House forms part of the collective memory and devotional heritage associated with the Virgen de la Cueva and the historical pilgrimages to the sanctuary.
The building maintains its connection with the religious, cultural and social activities developed around the hermitage, preserving its significance as a welcoming place for visitors and pilgrims.
