Special attention should be paid to the Ermita del Balneario, erected in 1878 in honour of the Virgen de la Salud, currently the patron saint of Archena. It is a neo-medieval building with Romanesque construction elements, but with a sense of verticality that links it to the Gothic style. This characteristic is accentuated by its high entrance, to gain access to which an elegant Empire-style staircase was built. Although the architect Jose Mª Aguilar was in charge of the works, the project has been attributed to the great Justo Millán. The beautiful and costly limestone that covers the entire main façade and plays with the brick on the side walls, is a sign of the interest that the Viscounts of Rías, then owners of the baths, put into the construction of the chapel. Inside, the barrel vault with transverse arches resting on small double columns stands out. The only altar in the chapel is dedicated to the Virgen de la Salud, whose carving was made by Salvador Páramo, a specialist in religious imagery. The crucified Christ by Enrique Salas is worth mentioning.

 

Carr. del Balneario, 61, 30600 Archena, Murcia, España