Romanesque in Vallès Oriental, to be between Heaven and Earth.
Since the beginning of humanity, people have looked to the sky to try to see beyond. All civilisations have had their religions, their gods, and their beliefs. In honour of these deities, temples have been built, artistic works created, and songs and prayers written. This is precisely what remains for posterity, what we humans have done to be between Heaven and Earth.
There are several of these remains in El Vallès Oriental, and not a few! From prehistoric dolmens and menhirs to churches built during the last century. But if we focus on the time of year we are in now, Easter, we think of the Romanesque churches and hermitages that have a special charm.
In the region we have religious buildings that date back to the beginning of the last millennium, during the 10th and 11th centuries. Here is a small route with some examples of these Romanesque churches and hermitages in El Vallès Oriental that, during the Easter holidays, you can visit. Following the romanesque in Vallès Oriental you will be between Heaven and Earth.
Romanesque in Canovelles
Let’s begin with one of the most famous in the region, Sant Fèlix de Canovelles. This 11th-century Romanesque church, also known as Sant Feliu, is one of the few early Romanesque buildings in Catalonia. . It is built with a single elongated nave with Lombard bands around the entire facade.
Romanesque in Bigues i Riells del Fai
In the middle of the Bertí Cliffs we find the monumental complex of Sant Miquel del Fai, made up of the Priory House, in Gothic style and founded in 997, and the church of Sant Miquel, surrounded by a spectacular landscape formed thanks to the action of water. Sant Miquel del Fai is the most spacious and well-preserved troglodytic temple in Catalonia. To visit it, it is very important to consult the website (click here) for visiting hours and to book!
Romanesque in La Garriga
Very close to the centre of La Garriga is the church of La Doma. Apart from the old church, there are also the buildings around and the old cemetery. The oldest part of the present-day church is the central Romanesque nave, built in the 12th century, which preserves a magnificent Gothic altarpiece of Sant Esteve, from the end of the 15th century, an exceptional artistic piece that will not leave you untouched.
Romanesque in Lliçà d’Amunt
To the north of Lliçà d’Amunt, in the middle of a small wood next to the road, is the Romanesque chapel of Santa Justa and Santa Rufina, with a belfry and apse with Lombard arches. The site on which the chapel stands is very old and was already inhabited in Roman times. It is not known when the Romanesque building was built, although it is mentioned as early as 1071. It has a very interesting peculiarity, the wall that closes the presbytery, which is very unusual in Catalonia.
Romanesque in Mollet del Vallès
The Espai Rural de Gallecs is located in Mollet del Vallès. In this unique and important area for the region, you will find Santa Maria de Gallecs, a Romanesque chapel dating from the 12th century, with origins in a pre-Romanesque building, mentioned as far back as 1007. In addition, around the hermitage, you will find farmhouses of great architectural interest.
Romanesque in Tagamanent
Last but not least is the Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Tagamanent. Located at the top of the hill of the same name, it was an old rural chapel linked to the castle that no longer exists. This fortification is mentioned for the first time in 993, and the church in 1009. However, no traces of seeds remain. The current building, which dates from the 12th century, is the result of late alterations and reconstructions.
Now let’s enjoy!
We recommend that you check the dates and times of visits before you go to any of the sites. We also hope you enjoy them as much as possible, always respecting the environment and the neighbours. So get out of home and enjoy the Romanesque in El Vallès Oriental at your own pace in order to be between Heaven and Earth!
And don’t forget to check the Turisme Vallès agenda for all the Easter Week events and activities that we have spread throughout the municipalities of the county!
