The Andalusian town of 200 inhabitants that has the largest unfinished cathedral in Europe

Lovers of beautiful landscapes, nature, hiking, and good food are well aware of a spectacular spot located deep in the Huelva mountains. This town currently has a population of just 200 , but it can be the setting for a truly unforgettable visit.

This is the town of El Castaño de El Robledo, located in the heart of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, which also holds a rather curious history related to a church. Many people come to this enclave simply attracted by a very peculiar building, which has various names such as 'The Monument', 'The Unfinished Church', or 'The Cathedral of the Sierra'.

The first church built in this small town was the parish church of Santiago el Mayor, which gradually became too small due to the gradual growth of the population. Therefore , at the end of the 18th century, construction began in the town center on a new church, which from the outset was oversized and of pharaonic proportions for its location.

The project began in 1788, and few suspected at the time that it would be marked by controversy and problems practically from the outset. Once the work had begun according to the initial plans, one of those responsible for the execution, Alonso Sánchez, decided to alter the project immediately to give the church even more colossal dimensions .

Once the Archbishopric learned of what was happening, which obviously had a direct impact on the significant increase in the cost of the works, it decided to halt the project. This occurred in the final years of the 18th century, which led to the building being abandoned and falling into disuse by the mid -19th century .

The fact is that all this controversy caused the project to not come to fruition, so in the end the church was never consecrated, although its undoubted artistic value has led to it being considered a Site of Cultural Interest since 2011. It is neoclassical in style , has a large nave and five chapels on each side that communicate with each other, and even after its abandonment, it was even used as a cemetery until 1940 when a new cemetery was built in this small town.

Although the building has never been used as a church, that doesn't mean it hasn't been used in recent decades. "El Monumento" has been the headquarters of the two brotherhoods of the town of El Castaño del Robledo and hopes to become a cultural center that will host all kinds of events and activities.

Today, it's a true pleasure to stroll through the quiet streets of this small corner of Huelva. Lose yourself on some of the many hiking trails that begin, end, or cross the city limits. Above all, it's a fascinating exercise to fantasize about the history of this building that could have been and never was, but whose imposing design tells a beautiful and interesting story, stone by stone.