The Bellmunt sanctuary, Barcelona’s best kept secret
• Fascinating Spain
• Catalonia
Perched atmore than 1,200 metres of altitude, the Bellmunt sanctuary proves that mountains still have something to offer to nonconformisttouristswho need more than visiting the mandatory stops of every list. A reward awaits those who dare to go further. In this case, they will get to enjoy the marvellous views ofCataluña, where there are as many mountainlandscapesas one can imagine.
A look at the history of the Bellmunt sanctuary
A look at the history of the Bellmunt sanctuary
Bellmunt sanctuary. | Shutterstock
Bellmunt sanctuary. | Shutterstock
The Bellmunt sanctuary is the oldchurchof the antique Sa Raganyada castle, whose surroundings were constantly guarded in the 11th century due to the war. The Count of Besalú granted his fortress-castle to his son. The document that attests to this event is the first document regarding the existence of thisbuilding. And as if that wasn’t enough,its remains can still be found facing the temple.
Thecastlewas abandoned when it no longer served as a strategic location, butthe temple was conserved. Nowadays, it is known that some hermits lived there in the late 14th century, and masses were held here every Sunday by the end of the 16th century. The original chapel was expanded in 1557, adding ahomefor the hermits and a shelter.
The following centuries were not kind to the Bellmunt sanctuary. During the 19th century and theSpanish Civil War, it was invaded on many occasions, already damaged by the inclement weather. As you know, this place rests at more than 1,200 metres of altitude. In the year 1982, theBarcelonaProvincial Councilbegan the transformation of the temple into its current shape.
Keys to the Bellmunt sanctuary
Keys to the Bellmunt sanctuary
Bellmunt sanctuary. | Shutterstock
Bellmunt sanctuary. | Shutterstock
The Bellmunt sanctuary settled on the highest point of the Bellmunt mountain range, near Sant Pere de Torelló in Barcelona. A Latin-cross, aislelessRomanesquechurch conforms the sanctuary. It houses aGothicMother of God of barely 22 centimetres of height. She is also known as Virgen de las Aladas (“Virgin of the Winged”) due to the flying ant swarms that migrate to the sanctuary every August.
Built directly on the stone,the Bellmunt sanctuary has adapted to the shape of the mountainsand thecliffswhere it lies. Thanks to its location, the landscapes this place offers will take your breath away. We would like to highlight twoviewpoints. One of them is right by the church, and you will find the other on the top of the opposite hill. You can even see the sacredMontserratmountain on the best days.
You can get here by car, on a winding road, or by taking a hikingroutefrom Sant Pere de Torelló or Vidrà,which takes us to our next point.
Interesting places near the Bellmunt sanctuary
Interesting places near the Bellmunt sanctuary
La Grevolosa. | Shutterstock
La Grevolosa. | Shutterstock
These hiking routes that lead to the sanctuary are a great way to explore an area filled with forests. For instance, you will see La Grevolosa, an astonishingnaturalspace that houses beeches. Some of them are more than 200 years old and over 30 metres high. If you want to go even further, you can visit the park of volcanoes of La Garrotxa, which is an hour away by car.There are many other natural paradises, such as the Salt de Mir, a 35-metre highwaterfallwhose colours shine all year.
If you want to enjoyrural tourism,the lovely village of Vidrá is just 15 minutes away, and it’s worth a visit. The weather seems to work differently in this space surrounded bymountains. This valley is said to be the rainiest place in Cataluña, which explains the typical brightgreenof the area.
Why should you visit the Bellmunt sanctuary?
Why should you visit the Bellmunt sanctuary?
Bellmunt sanctuary. | Shutterstock
The Bellmunt sanctuary is still hidden among a natural scene of absolute beauty. History and nature become one in itssurroundings, creating a unique experience for the visitor. This place could quickly gain notoriety among tourists, soyou better hurry upand enjoy a relaxing excursion while it lasts.
Bellmunt sanctuary. | Shutterstock
You can also read this article inSpanishandFrench.
Источник: Fascinating Spain
