Ermita del santo Cristo del Consuelo

The Hermitage of Cristo del Consuelo

The existing hermitage is a striking  and outstanding building which is clearly visible across the river from the town, set amongst the peach orchards which surround Cieza.The building was designed by José María Marín Baldó at the end of the 19th century, built using an interesting combination of neo-historical Mudéjar Gothic, on the same location as the former hermitage of the Virgen del Buen Suceso.

The current Ermita del Santo Cristo is tightly entwined with the history of the image of the Santo Cristo del Consuelo and the legend which relates to the construction of the hermitage in this location.

A small chapel formerly existed in the current location of the hermitage, and had been situated on this spot for centuries, known by the villagers as "El Calvario".

This small hermitage was dedicated to the Virgen del Buen Suceso, until the incident which resulted in the dedication of the chapel being changed.

 Legend recounts that the arrival of the Santísimo Cristo del Consuelo dates back to 1606, when a carriage drawn by donkeys was carrying the image of Christ crucified to a town in Castilla La Mancha.

However, as they passed by the location of the hermitage the donkeys refused to move a step further. The donkeys were changed for a fresh set, but they, in turn, also refused to continue, so this was interpreted as a clear sign from God that he intended the statue to remain in Cieza.

The details of how the statue, which would have cost a great deal of money at this point in time, was purchased remain shrouded in the mists of time, but the statue remained and over the years became irrevocably entwined with the traditions  of Cieza.

In 1800, there was a widespread drought, and the figure of Cristo was brought down into the fields and the locals prayed for rain.

Yet although no rain actually fell, the wheat began to swell, and that summer the townspeople enjoyed a bumper harvest, the wheat that year called, “ the wheat of the miracle.”

The current hermitage was designed by José María Marín Baldó, the latest reforms and restoration undertaken in 1994, and was blessed on the 3rd May, by Bishop,  D. Javier Azagra.

Between May 3rd 2012 and 3rd May 2013, the Cristo del Consuelo celebrated a Jubilee Year  with a number of associated acts offering the opportunity for the faithful to gain plenary indulgence.