In 1990, Guinness World Records introduced a remarkable new entry: the smallest church in the world - Santa Isabel de Hungría, which is only 1.96m² in size. What makes this tiny chapel even more intriguing is its unique location. This gem is hidden on the third floor within the walls of Colomares Castle, near Benalmadena.
Despite its tiny size, Santa Isabel de Hungría is an official church where religious ceremonies, including weddings and masses, can take place. One amusing anecdote recounts a wedding where the priest fit inside the church, but the couple had to stand outside. Due to the constant stream of tourists visiting Colomares Castle, daily or weekly masses aren’t feasible, so services are held only on special occasions.
The dedication of Santa Isabel de Hungría to Elizabeth of Hungary is another nod to Christopher Columbus. Surprisingly, this tiny church’s name is linked to the famous explorer. Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia, founder of the Third Order of Saint Francis, is believed by many to have included Columbus among its members. Inside the world’s smallest church, visitors can find a statue of this Hungarian princess and saint, adding another layer of historical connection to this unique place.
This church is just a small part of the grand Colomares Castle, a tribute to Christopher Columbus. Commissioned and designed by Dr. Esteban Martín, the castle celebrates Columbus’s arrival in the Americas through a captivating blend of architectural styles, each element thoughtfully chosen to narrate the explorer’s epic journey.
Sources: Wikipedia, Fascinating Spain
Photo: Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC-BY-SA
