The smallest Church in the World
The Costa del Sol offers numerous landmarks and places of interest to visit. In the town of Benalmádena, for example, you’ll find an architectural gem that leaves no one indifferent. We’re talking about the Colomares Castle, one of the city’s main tourist attractions. This structure is a tribute to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America, and it holds a secret that few people know: the smallest church in the world.
Colomares Castle: A Blend of Architectural Styles
This masterpiece was created by Esteban Martín between 1987 and 1994 as a symbol of the cultural exchange triggered by the discovery of America in 1492. The monument is the perfect blend of architectural styles present in Spain throughout its history (Romanesque, Gothic, Mudéjar…) and refers to the three cultures present in the Middle Ages in our country: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Additionally, inside you can find structures like a pagoda (an architectural element of Asian culture) symbolizing Columbus’s true intentions on his initial journey: to reach China and Japan to trade spices. In a way, it’s a history book narrated through architecture.
The Smallest Church in the World
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the church in Colomares Castle is the smallest in the world. With only 1.96 square meters, it makes visitors feel like giants in the kingdom of Lilliput. It is, in fact, extremely difficult to hold a mass inside, as even the priest barely fits between its four walls.
The tiny temple is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, patroness of the Teutonic Order, who devoted her life to helping the less fortunate. Legend has it that when Elizabeth of Hungary was secretly distributing bread to the poor, her brother-in-law discovered her and snatched away the piece of cloth covering the bread basket. Then, God covered for her by transforming the bread into roses. One of the striking features inside the small church of Colomares Castle is a statue of this saint. Another interesting aspect inside the temple is a depiction of Christ with his arm lowered, representing a moment from the descent of God’s son’s body.
A Must-Visit
A visit to Colomares Castle is highly recommended for all those who love architecture and want to see something different. Additionally, the castle offers wonderful views of the Benalmádena coast. As if that weren’t enough, this town on the Malaga coast offers everything for an unforgettable vacation. The range of tourist attractions is among the most complete on the Costa del Sol and is well distributed among its three urban centers. Benalmádena Pueblo represents tranquility with its picturesque urban landscape of narrow streets and squares, while Benalmádena Costa encompasses a large part of the vacation offerings and a wide coastline divided into 15 beaches. Arroyo de la Miel, which has grown significantly in recent years, is where a large number of leisure attractions are concentrated, enhancing the appeal of this destination. Additionally, Benalmádena’s marina – known as ‘Puerto Marina’ – has been awarded the title of ‘best marina in the world’ twice. With its stunning architecture, which transports you to a fairy tale setting, the Benalmádena marina offers visitors a wide range of entertainment, shops, bars, and restaurants.
