HERMITAGE OF VIRGEN DE OTERO

Writings from the early seventeenth century cite the existence of the Hermitage, annexed to the Parish of S. Andrés de Alba with 18 neighbors.

Later it became the parish temple of Martín Valero, a town disappeared in the War of Independence due to the looting and serious damage suffered during the French and especially in the Battle of Arapiles for being the real scene of the withdrawal of the soldiers, many of them buried in their graveyard.

It then became part of Palomares, a hamlet of Alba de Tormes now depopulated. Today it depends on the parish of San Pedro de Alba.

The hermitage of the Virgin of Otero is located in the elevated part of a hill on the left bank of the Tormes, 2 kilometers from Alba de Tormes. It is a privileged enclave from which you can see magnificent views over the valley of Tormes and the ducal village.

Simple and humble construction, slate and brick, the hermitage is surrounded by the cemetery of Palomares, and in the esplanade that opens before it has been conditioned a picnic area. It is usually closed, opening only on festivities, among which the pilgrimage of the first Monday of September, as well as for the worship of the month of May.

On Sundays in May, at 6 pm, a Eucharist is celebrated, leaving the small temple to welcome the dozens of faithful who come to the place. Never missing the descendants of Palomares to which is added an important group of albenses who feel true devotion to the Virgin of Otero. Thus, throughout the month, the group of women, the catechesis group, the members of the Miraculous Medal group or schools, seek their moment to go up on pilgrimage to the top of the othero and honor the Virgin. 

It is celebrated, since ancient times, a popular pilgrimage that in the afternoon of the first Monday of September ascends to its hermitage and is characterized, fundamentally, by the watermelon that is consumed in its vicinity, and the "keys of Otero", which some of the Albenses confectioneries still make.