Basilica of Saint Lucia del Trampal

Around the major centers of Hispano-Visigothic culture, especially around Mérida, the so-called "Ermita de Santa Lucía del Trampal" gains some importance. Located several kilometers from the population center of Alcuéscar, it consists of two clearly differentiated parts; the head is an old Hispano-Visigothic basilica; the rest is a Gothic nave, spacious, with pointed arches, possibly from the 14th or 15th century. It is built in perfectly squared masonry. It has a single nave, with a wide transept, and three chapels in the head. The entire structure is covered with barrel vaults with horseshoe sections, except for the three sections that come from the apses, which are higher and where there must have been brick structures in the form of a small dome or ribbed vault, which are now missing. In the transept, there are twelve columns attached to the wall, corresponding to the arches that start each vaulting section. The architecture is very austere, although harmonious, but it was originally adorned with fine marble imposts with various scroll motifs; many of them have been removed, but those that remain in situ confirm the Visigothic chronology of the building. HOURS: Winter Hours (October 1-May 31) - Monday CLOSED. - Tuesday-Saturday: (10:00h-14:00h); (16:00h-19:00h) - Sundays and holidays: 10:00h-14:00h. Summer Hours (June 1-September 30) - Monday CLOSED. - Tuesday-Saturday: (10:00h-14:00h); (16:00h-20:00h) - Sundays: 10:00h-14:00h. FREE ADMISSION.