The renovated shop at the Santuario de la Virgen de Gracia in Archidona was officially inaugurated this week, featuring a complete overhaul funded by Pripimar SL.
The Santuario de la Virgen de Gracia in Archidona has opened a newly renovated shop for religious items after a comprehensive redesign and refurbishment. The inauguration ceremony drew local residents and officials, including Mayor Juan Manuel Almohalla Astorga and Tourism Councillor Pablo Garrido Liceras.
The event began with a short liturgy in the hermitage followed by a blessing of the new premises. Fernando Morales, representative of the Cofradía de la Virgen de Gracia, opened the speeches and handed over to Fernando Espina, spokesperson for Pripimar SL. The family-owned company, with over 50 years in the sector, handled the design, financing, and installation. Espina described the space as more than a shop, calling it 'an extension of the experience pilgrims and visitors have at this fantastic and wonderful sanctuary.'
A representative from the Diocese of Málaga then spoke, praising local devotion and hospitality. He asked for a moment of prayer for Venezuela and noted that the items sold help maintain a 'strong, invisible thread' connecting the faithful to the sanctuary from their homes. He also paid tribute to Carmen, the former shopkeeper who recently passed away.
Mayor Almohalla closed the institutional segment, thanking the brotherhood, diocese, and company for their collaboration. He highlighted the Virgin of Grace as the municipality's main unifying symbol and noted the growth of religious tourism. He pledged continued municipal support to make the sanctuary a nationally recognized cultural and heritage site.
The renovated shop now offers a wider range of religious articles, including rosaries, medals, and statues. The sanctuary, a popular pilgrimage destination in the Antequera region, welcomes thousands of visitors annually. The new facility aims to enrich their spiritual journey.
According to local tourism officials, the project aligns with efforts to boost religious tourism in the area. The sanctuary's location, on a hill overlooking Archidona, already draws visitors for its architecture and views. The shop's upgrade is expected to enhance visitor satisfaction and increase sales of devotional items.
The company Pripimar SL, based in Málaga, has a long history of outfitting religious spaces. Their involvement underscores the growing professionalization of religious retail in Spain. The shop is operated in collaboration with the Cofradía de la Virgen de Gracia, ensuring profits support the sanctuary's upkeep.
Visitors can now purchase exclusive items not available elsewhere, including replicas of the Virgin's image. The shop is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours during pilgrimage seasons. Future plans include a small museum area next to the shop.
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