The Costa del Sol is positively bursting with sights, monuments and points of interest. The town of Benalmádena is a case in point, offering an architectural curiosity that will leave you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Yes, we are talking about Castillo de Colomares, one of the town’s most popular tourist sites. This structure pays homage to Christopher Colombus and his discovery of the Americas. But that’s not all. Not many people know that the castle boasts the accolade of housing the smallest church in the world.
Castillo de Colomares: a jumble of architectural styles
Created by Esteban Martín between 1987 and 1994, Castillo de Colomares is a truly unique building that symbolises the cultural exchange that was triggered by the discovery of the Americas in 1492. The building fuses the architectural styles present in Spain throughout its history (Romanesque, Gothic, Mudejar, etc.), referencing the three civilisations that inhabited the peninsula in the Middle Ages, namely the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims. Additionally, there is a pagoda (a tiered tower common in Asia) which alludes to the original intent of Colombus’ initial journey: to reach China and Japan to start a spice trade. The architecture of this site, in a certain sense, is a history book, telling the past through its different elements.
The smallest church in the world
According to Guinness World Records, the church in Castillo de Colomares is the smallest in the world. Just 1.96m2, the church will make you feel as though you’ve entered the Kingdom of Lilliput. It would certainly be difficult to hold mass here, as the priest only just about fits inside.
This minuscule place of worship is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, patron saint of the Teutonic Order, who spent her life helping those in need. It is said that one day when Elizabeth of Hungary was distributing bread among the poor, unbeknown to her family, her brother-in-law happened upon her and ripped away the piece of cloth that was covering her basket. In response, God concealed the bread by turning it into roses. Inside the tiny church, your attention will be drawn to a statue of the saint. Another work depicts Jesus with one arm hanging down, which represents the moment in which God’s son was taken down from the cross.
A must-visit in Benalmádena
If you love architecture or simply enjoy visiting something a little bit different, make sure you put Castillo de Colomares on your to-visit list. Beyond enjoying the unusual style of building, you can also breathe in spectacular views over the coast. Benalmádena is indeed an absolutely wonderful holiday destination in the Costa del Sol. Its three districts all offer something truly unique. Benalmádena Pueblo is a picture postcard village with narrow streets and pretty squares. Benalmádena Costa is the most touristy part of the destination with its boundless coastline divided into 15 beaches. And Arroyo de la Miel, which has undergone rapid development in recent years, boasts superb leisure activities. Benalmádena marina, known as Puerto Marina, has been awarded the Best Marina in the World prize on no fewer than two occasions. With its fairytale architecture, Benalmádena will transport you to a world bursting with entertainment, shops, bars and restaurants.
