Just 50 kilometers from Barcelona lies a well-kept secret that will transport you to a lost world of waterfalls, cave churches and caves. This treasure is the cave monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai, located in the nature reserve of the Cingles de Bertí.
The Monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai has been nestled in this cool and shady corner for over a thousand years. After five years of intense rehabilitation, it opened its doors to the public in April 2023 and can now be visited free of charge, although prior reservation is required.
In this sanctuary monks and hermits throughout history have led their spiritual and contemplative lives.
Where is the Cave Monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai?
The cave monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai: a dreamlike setting
The access to Sant Miquel del Fai already immerses you in its unique atmosphere. As you enter the road leading from the village of Sant Feliu de Codines, the mountain opens up into a ravine that hides a Romanesque complex carved into the rock.
The troglodytic church of Sant Miquel, sheltered under a large grotto, and the two majestic waterfalls that descend from the heights of the cliffs, give this place a “lost world” appearance that will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time.
The thrill of arrival
The bridge that crosses the Rossinyol River before reaching the monastery is a harbinger of the thrilling experience that awaits you.
Built in 1592, this single-arch bridge replaced a much riskier access: a vertiginous climb up steps made of wooden stakes. This ancient trail reminds visitors of the remote and mysterious location of this sacred site.
The path leading to Sant Miquel del Fai clings to the rock wall and offers, from the first meter, a spectacular view of this world between cliffs, waterfalls and caves. The entrance to the enclosure is called “La Foradada”, a stone arch.
Exploring the cave monastery
The Plaza de la Abadía is the perfect place to start your visit. Here you will find the Priory House, which dates back to the 15th-17th centuries. Originally, this structure served as a residence for Benedictine monks, but after 1856, it was transformed into an inn and restaurant.
Despite its apparent isolation, Sant Miquel del Fai became a popular refuge during the last decades of the 19th century and until the Civil War.
What really gives Sant Miquel del Fai its unique charm are the Rossinyol and Tenes waterfalls. These majestic waterfalls, with heights of 100 and 300 meters, respectively, become especially impressive in rainy years.
