Saint Anthony Chapel
Hidden between silence and the passage of time, the small Chapel of Saint Anthony preserves stories, traditions, and memories of a village that gradually became empty. Its stone walls, burnt-down candles, and a bell on the verge of falling reflect both abandonment and, at the same time, the historical and emotional value of this almost forgotten place.
PLACESFEATURED
5/7/20262 min read
The Chapel of Saint Anthony is one of the most representative and beloved landmarks of Centenales, a small religious building that, despite the passage of time and the depopulation of the area, still preserves much of its traditional essence. This chapel reflects the importance that religious celebrations and community life once had for the local inhabitants.
From the outside, the construction stands out for its simplicity and the use of traditional materials. Its stone walls give it a solid and ancient appearance, while the roof covered with lousas maintains the typical style of rural buildings in southwestern Asturias. On one side, there is a small window that allows natural light to enter the interior. The main entrance features wooden bars that allow visitors to observe the altarpiece and part of the inside from outside, something very characteristic of small village chapels. Above the façade are the cross, the bell gable, and the bell, although the wooden structure that supports it is currently heavily deteriorated and rotten, leaving it hanging and clearly showing the wear caused by the years and the lack of maintenance.
The interior of the chapel is small but welcoming. It has no benches, leaving a simple and quiet space that was once intended for prayer and small religious celebrations. On the main altar there is a small altarpiece decorated with several religious figures. Among them stands the statue of Saint Anthony (whose arms no longer exist), placed at the center of the wooden altar and still accompanied by flowers and burnt-out candles, visible reminders of the devotion of the villagers and of the last celebrations held there. A portrait of the Virgin Mary can also be seen, adding even more warmth to the religious setting. To the right of the altar hangs a small framed crucifix, along with a few flowers that complete the traditional atmosphere of the chapel.
Despite being a very old construction, the chapel remains in a relatively normal condition, although the passage of time is evident in different parts of the building. It has been almost a decade since Mass was last celebrated there, mainly due to the progressive depopulation of the village and the decline in the number of inhabitants in the area. In the past, the feast of Saint Anthony was celebrated on May 17, the day dedicated to the saint. However, during the last years in which the celebration was organized in Centenales, it was usually moved to a summer day in order to make attendance easier for residents and relatives returning to the village during that time.
Although today the chapel has very little religious activity, it continues to be an important symbol of the history and traditions of the village. Its humble appearance, its old religious images, and the silence surrounding it preserve the memory of many generations of villagers who gathered there to celebrate festivals, meetings, and religious ceremonies that once formed part of the community’s everyday life.
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