The Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle, located in the center of Nueva Carteya, is a church of popular neoclassical style. Its construction was promoted by Bishop Pedro Antonio de Trevilla and directed by the cleric Diego Carro, beginning in 1823 and completed in 1836. The church has a Latin cross floor plan and stands out for its simple neobaroque façade. In 1959, the architect Carlos Sáenz de Santamaría oversaw a restoration that enlarged the size of the temple at its transepts and apse.
The Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle is the center of Nueva Carteya’s patron festivities. Every June 29th, in honor of Saint Peter, a solemn rociera mass is held, followed by a procession through the town’s streets. The image of the saint is carried by women dressed in traditional flamenco attire, accompanied by the “Villa de Nueva Carteya” Musical Society. This event is one of the most significant for the community, reflecting the devotion and cultural identity of the people of Nueva Carteya.
The Hermitage of Saint Peter, located about 2 km from the urban center of Nueva Carteya, was built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This modest rectangular building (12.15 x 7.30 meters) served as a place of worship for the inhabitants scattered across the surrounding hills, especially in Monte Horquera. In 1811, the hermitage was established as an independent parish under the dedication of Saint Peter of Monte Horquera, and in 1826, worship was transferred to the new parish in the town. Next to the hermitage was a cemetery that was closed in 1890.
It has undergone several restorations over the centuries while maintaining its original stone structure. Today, it is preserved in excellent condition and is considered a symbol of the town’s origin. In addition to its historical value, the hermitage blends harmoniously into the rural landscape of Nueva Carteya, surrounded by olive groves and hills, offering a space for reflection and connection with the municipality’s past.
The Hermitage of the Saints, also known as the Tower of the Saints Hermitage, is located on Monte Horquera, within the municipality of Nueva Carteya. This monument, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, combines an ancient medieval watchtower with a hermitage built inside it. The square-plan tower stands on archaeological remains from Iberian and Roman times. According to tradition, in 1245 the tower was attacked by Muslim forces, and after a miraculous event, it became a place of worship dedicated to Our Lady of the Saints.
Currently, the hermitage is in poor condition. The roof has collapsed, the balcony railings have disappeared, and the frescoes that once decorated its interior have been almost entirely lost due to humidity and neglect. Despite these damages, the basic structure of the tower remains standing, and its inclusion in the Red List of Heritage by Hispania Nostra highlights the urgency of its preservation and restoration.
The Oratory of Our Lady of Sorrows, located at 51 Francisco Merino Street in Nueva Carteya, is a small rococo-style temple built in the 18th century. Its architecture features a single nave with a half-orange dome over the main altar, decorated with stuccoes in brown and white tones. The small chapel houses the sculptural group of the Virgin of Sorrows, a late 17th-century work, with the figure of Christ attributed to the circle of José de Mora.
This oratory is the center of devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows in Nueva Carteya. Every year, services and processions are held in her honor, especially on the feast of the Virgin, which takes place on August 19th. During these days, solemn masses, floral offerings, and an extraordinary procession accompanied by the “Villa de Nueva Carteya” Musical Society are celebrated.
The Chapel of Jesus the Captive, located on Molinos Street in Nueva Carteya, houses the image of Our Father Jesus the Captive, a sculpture acquired in the late 18th century. Built by the Roldán family, the chapel has been restored to preserve its original structure and remains a key place of worship throughout the year.
During Holy Week, especially on Holy Thursday, the image is carried in procession through the streets of the town, accompanied by the local brotherhood and its band of cornets and drums. This devotion is one of the most important for the community of Nueva Carteya.
