A route through the Romanesque villages

In Catalonia, Romanesque art flourished from the early 11th century until well into the 13th century, when it began to coexist with Gothic architecture. To this day, various examples remain in the form of religious buildings scattered throughout the region, although the largest concentration is found in Old Catalonia (Catalunya Vella). These artistic elements, which form part of our heritage, provide an excellent pretext for embarking on a journey that combines art and history in surprising locations.

-The Romanesque art of the Boí Valley

The Romanesque ensemble of the Boí Valley is one of the most important in the country, and exceptional for the high concentration of churches of the same architectural style found in a relatively small area. This ensemble includes the churches of Sant Climent and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulalia de Erill el Valle, Sant Feliu de Barruera, the Nativity of Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet, the Assumption of Coll, and the hermitage of Sant Quirco de Durro. During Holy Week, special guided tours are offered at reduced times and prices. You can complement your Romanesque route by visiting the Boí Valley Romanesque Centre, which, with its recently opened museum exhibits and virtual reality experience, will transport you back to the Middle Ages, when these churches were still under construction, allowing you to understand the social and economic realities of the time.

-Monastery of Sant Serni de Tavernoles

Don't let the name fool you. This former Benedictine abbey, with its church consecrated in 1040, is located in Anserall, in the municipality of Valls de Valira, in the Alt Urgell region. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Catalan Romanesque architecture. Also known as Sant Sadurní de Tavèrnoles, only the large Romanesque apse remains, facing west. This apse is divided into three smaller apses, and the transept has an apse at each end. Some pieces and part of the Romanesque altarpiece from this church are preserved in the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC).

-Church of Santa Maria de Organyà

Also in Alt Urgell, we cannot overlook the church of the former priory and collegiate church of Santa Maria, dating from the late 11th century. It has undergone many modifications over time and currently only retains the central Romanesque apse, semicircular and adorned with a frieze, and the west wall with a doorway featuring three pointed arches. The church houses a replica of the homilies of Organyà, which were long considered the oldest surviving text in the Catalan language. The originals are kept in the Library of Catalonia.

-Church of Santa María de San Martín Sarroca

Restored in 1906 by the Modernista architect Puig i Cadafalch, this church is part of the La Roca monumental complex, along with the castle of Sant Martí Sarroca, in the Alt Penedès region. It is notable for the abundant sculptural decoration applied to the visible architecture throughout the church. In fact, the apse is considered the most richly ornamented in Spain. With only a single nave, it preserves Gothic and Baroque altarpieces, reflecting the alterations it underwent at various points in history.

-Monastery of Saint Peter of Rhodes

One of the most important monasteries of Catalan Romanesque architecture rises majestically from the Rodes mountain range, in the municipality of Port de la Selva. It became the most important center of the Empúries region due to the prominent role of its abbots and its significance as a pilgrimage site. The church, one of its most outstanding features, was built in the late 10th and early 11th centuries, following the Carolingian tradition of three naves separated by pillars and engaged columns with richly ornamented capitals. Also noteworthy is the three-story, square bell tower in the Lombard style of the 12th century. Entering its walls is like stepping back in time in a majestic and invaluable space.

-Romanesque complex of the Lluçà monastery

The ancient church of Santa Maria de Lluçà, in the Lluçanès region, was the origin of the monastery of the same name. The church stood at the foot of Lluçà Castle and was consecrated in 905. When it was rebuilt during the 12th century, a small Romanesque cloister with 22 capitals resting on simple columns was also added. However, the earthquakes that struck Catalonia during this period damaged the complex until it was finally restored in the late 1960s. The restoration work allowed for the preservation of a large part of its frescoes and paintings, as well as valuable sculptures.

-Church of Santa María de Barberá del Vallés

In the Vallès Occidental region, we also find heritage framed within Romanesque art. This is the case of this church, which is also aptly known as RomanesqueDeclared a National Artistic Monument, it was built in the 11th century—although the main nave dates from the 12th century—and preserves several Romanesque frescoes. The church was designed in a very simple style and built with stones of three different colors, but all the same size, as can be seen on the exterior of its walls. To visit the interior, it is necessary to request the key from the parish of Barberà del Vallès.

-Church of Santa María de Siurana

Perched atop a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over the Siurana reservoir and the Priorat region, this small Romanesque church is remarkably well-preserved. Inside, one can admire an image of the Virgin of the Water, a reproduction of the original Romanesque carving, which was stolen. Among the details that fill this single-nave church, a stone sarcophagus stands out, its exact date unknown, and popularly known as the... Tomb of the Moorish QueenIt is worth remembering that Siurana was the last Muslim stronghold in Catalonia, conquered in 1154.