Given the architectural development in the region and the monumental ambition of the collegiate church of Santa Maria in Berbegal, this small Romanesque chapel seems somewhat modest in comparison. It is set apart from the village in a sparsely populated area that is given over to agriculture, and its location can only be explained by its proximity to the historical Roman route that later made up part of the St James Way.

It has a single nave and a curved apse preceded by a simple, rectangular area. Although modest and relatively small, it has the power to move and surprise those who visit as is the case with many similar Romanesque buildings. The humility and simplicity of the chapel makes it great.The master builders of the Romanesque era used stone to distinguish the house of God from the house of man with the aim of creating an eternal place with symbolic character.

In order to support the heavy stone vaults the walls are incredibly thick and lack apertures. This affords the exterior of the church a solid and secure appearance and gives an impression of strength and peace. The interior offers semi-darkness that is symbolic, holy and protective.

The square is the principal element that governs architectural design. It is the earthly symbol par excellence and has been used since the origins of ancient cultures from the Middle East. It also makes numerological reference to the elements - air, earth, water and fire – the cardinal points, the seasons of the year and the four evangelists.

The semicircular apse and its dome represent the circle and symbolise the celestial vault, incorporeal like divinity, and providing a contrast to the intrinsically changeable material of the four elements of the earth. The inclusion of both the circle and the square indicate the location of the holiest part of the temple.The original Romanesque structure has undergone many renovations, the most noticeable of which took place in the 18th century. The nave was widened towards the west end with a new section that opened into an arched doorway. The keystone at the point of the arch shows the municipal symbol of a cockerel and gives the date of the work as 1721.

The inhabitants of Bierge built this chapel in honour of St Peter (San Pedro de Verona) at the end of the 17th century. On 29th April they celebrate their main fiestas in his name and a procession is made to the chapel. Once mass has finished cakes and wine are shared among the congregation and later in the day the celebration also includes a meal on the outskirts of the village.

A common feature of many Somontano villages is the dedication of churches and chapels to saints with a protective role, such as San Roque or San Sebastian, defenders against the plague. Offerings, petitions, processions and prayers were offered up to their chosen saint with the aim of liberating the village from an epidemic or suffering.

The construction of the San Pedro chapel in Bierge, as well as the pilgrimages that are still celebrated on his feast day, are the direct result of a vow to the saint after asking for the village’s liberation from an epidemic.

The building stands approximately 800 metres from the village in a place surrounded by olive groves. It has a rectangular form with a polygonal east end and is covered with a barrel vault with lunette. The only decoration on the inside of the chapel is a simple moulded cornice whose line is broken with decorative cantilevers. 

The strategic value of the hills surrounding the village of Castejón made it the perfect spot for controlling the nearby road and bridge. Because of this, the village boasted two castles In the Middle Ages; one on the site of the current parish church and the other next to this chapel.

Romanesque in style, the chapel has a rectangular layout and is finished with a pointed vault. The original semicircular entrance stands at the west end of the building. It once had a cloister and accommodation for the hermits. Many Romanesque elements have disappeared, mainly because of the changes in taste that came with each era.

Throughout history, la Bella has received illustrious characters and even kings. Felipe IV sheltered here on a journey during the War of Catalunya, around the year 1640.

After the declaration of the War of the Spanish Succession in 1702, a large number of priests from neighbouring parishes were given shelter here. As a result the first Seminary of Aragon was built here next to the chapel, although it was later moved to the episcopal capital of Barbastro.

In 1986 a huge fire marked the start of the decline of the chapel, although even now, La Bella is sill a reference for all the villagers of Casteón del Puente. Holy days such as the incarnation, Easter and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in September have been celebrated here for generations. Old records reveal the devotion to the chapel’s statue of the Virgin Mary. “They began to call her the Ancient Virgin Mary making reference to her antiquity, worshipped in the time of Godos. Others called her Our Beautiful Virgin Mary because of the rare and unique beauty and loveliness of the image of our saint.” Padre Roque Alberto Faci. Siglo XVIII.

The Virgin of La Bella is famous for her miracles and is a well-known protector of expectant mothers and women in childbirth. Her image is one of a maiden with the Infant Jesus in her left hand and a white lily (symbol of purity) in her right; it is said that dust never settles on her face.

The primitive wooden statue was destroyed in the fire in 1896

Attached to this simple chapel is a small annexe known as ‘ra Lonjeta’ and the village cemetery stands to the side of the building.

The villagers considered this small chapel as a second church and the fact that it stands close to the cemetery, the final resting of loved ones, affords it an undeniable sentimental value.

In the past the village celebrated the feast day of San Fabián in great style on the 20th January, and a church guild was established in his name.

Saints such as Fabian had a protective role in the rural environment. Some festivals or celebrations mark the start or end of the farming season in the villages; the Virgen de Agosto (Virgin of August) coincides with the harvest, San Martin with the slaughter of a pig etc.

In the past, when very little medicine existed, the saints were seen as the only option for finding a cure for many people, and some even became known for helping with specific pains and illness; Santa Lucia for problems with sight, San Blas helped the throat, San Fabian and San Sebastian protected people from the plague, Santa Rita fought off incurable illnesses, Santa Ana oversaw childbirth etc.