This house has its origins in the figure of Saint Fructus (Frutos), who is traditionally considered to have withdrawn to practise the eremitic life in a nearby place identified as the cave of Siete Altares, next to the Duratón, upriver. The characteristics of this site made it favourable for hermit activity and, in addition to Frutos and his brothers, there were probably other hermits who lived there.
Possibly, during the period of Saracen occupation, the site must have been abandoned and worship was not recovered until the Christian consolidation of the territory, and it is also possible that this inhospitable place was occupied by Mozarabs. The first direct record of this place dates from 1076, when Alfonso VI gave it to the monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, which established a priory. An inscription dates the consecration of the church built by the Benedictines to 1100. In 1126, Alfonso VII granted permission for the priory to settle the site. San Frutos benefited from the relationship with Silos, and when that abbey came under the protection of the popes, the priory also enjoyed the same privilege.
In 1231 the Franciscans established themselves in the convent of Nuestra Señora de la Hoz, a nearby place that was within the possessions of San Frutos, which led to some disagreements between the Benedictines and the Friars Minor. In the 15th century it was in a state of decadence, a situation that continued until the disentailment, when it lost its relationship with the monastic world. The church became a parish church, and the rest of the buildings fell into ruin. During the first half of the 20th century, the place began to receive protection from the administration and was later restored.
Illustration of a gosos (1874)
Biblioteca Nacional de España
Saint Fructus (Frutos)
Hhis hermit was born in Segovia in 642 into a wealthy family. At a very young age he withdrew with his siblings, Valentín and Engracia, to practise the eremitic life in caves on the banks of the Duratón. In this place, they were surprised by the Islamic occupation, and in this context, some miracles are attributed to Frutos. He died around 715 and was buried by his brothers in the cave where he had lived, known as Siete Altares (Seven Altars). Valentin and Engracia left these lands and were eventually martyred.
Photo by Zangarreon, on Wikimedia
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San Frutos del Duratón is located in the park of Las Hoces del Río Duratón, accessible from Villaseca