🎵 Audio guide
Of the many chapels constructed in Acebo, the chapel of the Holy Lamb (la Ermita del Santo Cordero), previously know as La Ermita del Humilladero, is the only one which has survived to the present day. As was the case in other neighbouring regions, the incorporation of Acebo into the Kingdom of Leon saw a huge increase in the construction of chapels: the Chapel of Cristo del Humilladero, of SaintBlaise, of Saint Barbara, of Saint Sebastian, of the Martyrs Saint John y Saint Andrew, of the Lamband of the Holy Spirit.
The chapel of the Holy Lamb originally stood on the outskirts of the village at the northern entrance, accompanied only by a beautiful 16th century stone cross. However, with the growth of the Cristo neighbourhood (whose name clearly references the chapel’s original name), it has been enveloped by the village.
The exterior consists of two easily differentiable parts. The rectangular nave (possibly from the 16th century) is a rough masonry construction which has been rendered. It has ashlar stonework corners and a gable roof.
The 18th century square chancel is taller and constructed from granite ashlar. It has a lantern tower with its characteristic roof. The sacristy is situated on the Epistle (south) side.
The west facade has a portico, whose stone columns were originally part of the former town hall. Stone steps lead to the doorway below a round arch. It is crowned with a bell-gable.
The interior is a simple rectangular nave, separated from the chancel by a round, triumphal arch and a rood screen. The chancel is square and covered by a pendentive dome.
Of special interest is the 18th century figure of Jesus carrying the cross (the Blessed Lamb). His expressive face and the positioning of his arms to support the cross are note-worthy. There is a statue of the virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows in the candelero or candlestick style depicted with seven swords piercing her heart. There is also a modern carving of a crucifix.
Although the brotherhood of the Blessed Lamb most probably originated in the 16th century, coinciding with the construction of the chapel of that name, it wasn't until 1959 that the Brotherhood of the Blessed Lamb and Our Lady of the Sorrows was officially registered.
The figure of the Blessed Lamb is close to the hearts of the people of Acebo. In the past, on the last Sunday of January the image was carried through the streets in a procession which took place to give thanks for graces received. Nowadays, its only procession is at Easter.
Holy week in Acebo is a beautiful occasion during which many images are carried through the streets in procession by the faithful of Acebo, under the attentive gaze of the many visitors whose come to witness the occasion.
On Palm Sunday a procession honours the figure of Jesus Christ on a donkey. On the evening of Maundy Thursday the figure is relocated, ready for the procession on the morning ofGood Friday, the Via Crucis following the Stations of the Cross to the Tres Cruces area. In the evening, the Santo Entierro (Holy Burial)procession honours an imageof the recumbent Christ(Cristo Yacente), accompanied by the Virgin of Sorrows (La Dolorosa), Saint John (San Juan) and Mary Magdalene.Acebo’s Holy Week comes to a close on Easter Sunday with the meeting of the images of the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary.