THE the smallest church in the worldcertified in the Guinness Book of Records is in a corner of Malaga. This tiny chapel, measuring just 1.96 square meters, was designed exclusively to house a priest inside.
Dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, this church It shares space with a castle that pays homage to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America, with an architectural design that It mixes Gothic, Romanesque, Byzantine and Mudejar styles.
What is the smallest church in the world?
The smallest church in the world is located inside the Colomares Castle in Benalmádena. The latter is a unique construction which is distinguished by its eclectic architecture and its vocation as a tribute to the expedition of Christopher Columbus in 1492.
Its creator, Dr. Esteban Martín, started the project in 1987 and completed it in 1994 with two local masons, without the aid of modern machinery, using traditional techniques.
This castle was not designed as a fortress or a residence, but as a memorial monument. Its design incorporates a combination of influential architectural elements neo-Byzantine, neo-Romanesque, neo-Gothic and neo-Mudejarwith materials such as brick, stone and cement.
Main characteristics of Colomares Castle:
- It has a total area of 1,500 square meters.
- Architectural elements that reflect the three cultures of medieval Spain (Christianity, Judaism and Islam).
- Symbols of the Catholic Monarchs and details of Columbus’ first voyage, including a Chinese pagoda, an allusion to his initial goal of reaching Asia.
The smallest church in the world and its history
The church located in the Castle of Colomares stands out as the smallest church in the worldwith an area of 1.96 square meters. This small space is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, patroness of the Teutonic Order, and presents a unique interpretation of the figure of Christ: a statue with a “naked Christ”held by a single hand outstretched in forgiveness.
According to the son of Esteban Martín, current owner of the castle, this chapel was consecrated by the prior of the La Rábida monastery. The small church was occasionally used for weddings and masses, although its small size limits these celebrations to very specific cases.
Curiosities of the church:
- The church was designed to exclusively accommodate a priest.
- Religious events are held on rare occasions due to its small space.
- The statue of Christ, raised with an outstretched hand, presents a unique and humanized interpretation of the religious figure.
Activities and services offered at Colomares Castle
In addition to housing the smallest church in the world, the Colomares Castle It is an important tourist destination, offering various cultural activities and services of interest.
Services and activities available:
- Guided tours: upon reservation, organized groups can benefit from an explanatory presentation in different languages.
- Cultural activities: conferences, book presentations, medieval markets and theatrical performances.
- Special events: The castle also hosts concerts and dance, in addition to offering meeting spaces and recreational-cultural events.
Practical information for visiting Colomares Castle
The Castle of Colomares, although open to the public for tourist visits, It is mainly a monument of foreign interest. The visit allows you to discover its architecture and symbolic details linked to the discovery of America.
Visiting hours:
- Autumn: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Summer: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Spring: from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Winter: from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Closed on Monday.
Access fees:
- Adults: €3.00.
- Children and retirees: €2.00.
For group visits, Those interested must make prior arrangements and have a specialist guide on site. Likewise, photographic reports can be produced with prior authorization.
Finally, it should be noted that the Castillo de Colomares plans to soon open a Colombian Facsimile Museum. This space aims to expand the cultural offerings of the castle and to offer an educational experience during the time of discovery.
