ermita

hermitage

noun ehr-MEE-tah Rare

Origin: Medieval Latin eremita (hermit), from Greek eremia (desert/solitude)

Also means

wayside chapel

Usage Note

Ermita refers to a small rural chapel or shrine, often isolated, historically associated with a hermit (ermitaño). Thousands dot the Spanish countryside and are frequently the focus of local romerías (pilgrimage festivals). It is smaller and more rustic than a capilla or iglesia.

Examples

"Subimos a la ermita en lo alto del cerro."

Natural Translation

We climbed up to the hermitage at the top of the hill.

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