Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Consolación

The origin of the sanctuary dates back to the beginning of the 16th century, when Antonio Barrados obtained permission to build a hermitage dedicated to the Virgin of Consolation, having as its titular image the one ceded by the convent of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua. On 31 March 1561, the hermitage passed to the congregation of the Padres Mínimos, and from that date onwards the convent and church were built. The popularity of the miracles of the Virgin of Consolation began to spread throughout Andalusia, especially among sailors bound for the Americas, who passed by this sanctuary to ask for the Virgin's protection or to thank her for having made a good voyage. Numerous offerings and small boats make up the Virgin's trousseau, such as the Nao de Oro, the most valuable votive offering in her possession, which was a gift from Rodrigo de Salinas in 1579. It is in the classicist Baroque style, dating from the early 17th century, with a single nave and transept, rendered brick walls and pillar supports. The main chapel is square, the roofs are wooden coffered ceilings decorated with Mudejar lacework. The entire front of the nave is covered by a large Baroque altarpiece centred on the image of the Virgen de Consolación, the Virgen del Barquito, patron saint of Utrera.