The Orador Griego: A Perennial Place of Worship

The History of the Orador Griego

The Orador Griego, also simply known as the Oratory of the Greeks, is a small chapel located in the municipality of Santa Cruz de La Palma, on the island of La Palma, Spain. Built in the 16th century, the Orador Griego was originally a place of worship for the Greek merchants who settled in the Canary Islands during the 16th and 17th centuries. The chapel is one of the few remaining examples of Greek Orthodox architecture in the Canary Islands, and it is a designated Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Interest Site) by the Spanish government.

The Architecture of the Orador Griego

The Orador Griego is a simple, rectangular building with a pitched roof and a small bell tower. The chapel's exterior is whitewashed, and the interior is decorated with frescoes and paintings depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. The chapel's most striking feature is its iconostasis, which is a wall of icons that separates the nave from the sanctuary. The iconostasis is decorated with a variety of icons, including a large icon of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) and Child.

The Religious Significance of the Orador Griego

The Orador Griego is a place of worship for the Greek Orthodox community in the Canary Islands. The chapel is used for services on Sundays and holidays, and it is also a popular destination for pilgrims. The chapel's iconostasis is a reminder of the Orthodox faith of the Greek merchants who founded the chapel, and it is a symbol of the continuing presence of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Canary Islands.

The Cultural Significance of the Orador Griego

The Orador Griego is an important cultural landmark in the Canary Islands. The chapel is a reminder of the long history of Greek settlement in the islands, and it is a symbol of the cultural diversity of the Canary Islands. The chapel is also a popular tourist destination, and it is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Canary Islands.

Visiting the Orador Griego

The Orador Griego is open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The chapel is closed on Sundays and holidays. Admission to the chapel is free.

Here are some tips for visiting the Orador Griego:

• Be respectful of the religious significance of the chapel.
• Dress appropriately.
• Do not take photographs of the chapel's interior without permission.
• Enjoy your visit!