Catalonia is home to one of the most amazing and beautiful routes, rich in history and natural beauty. One of them includes the Romanesque hermitages that are hidden in the middle of a volcanic landscape.
This trip will take you through a place that combines bucolic tranquility with a touch of mystery and a special touch of beauty thanks to its volcanic origin.
It is the region of La Garrotxa, located in Girona, is one of the most special jewels of Catalonia. What makes this region even more exceptional is its volcanic origin, which is manifested in the impressive Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.
Discover the charm of the Romanesque hermitages in the volcanic landscape of Catalonia.
Entering this volcanic landscape is like entering another world. Here, among the dense vegetation of the forest, there are two architectural treasures that seem to be taken from a fairy tale: the hermitages of San Miguel and Sant Martí del Corb.
The route that will take you to these Romanesque hermitages has a medium-high level of difficulty and a length of approximately nine kilometers. This hike will allow you to explore the splendor of the Garrotxa.
The estimated time to complete the route is about four hours and has a cumulative elevation gain of 658 meters. Spring and autumn offer especially beautiful scenery.
The path to the Romanesque hermitages
The starting point is the town of Les Preses. Here, you will pass through its Plaza Mayor and swimming pool before entering a lush oak forest.
The first point of interest on your way is the coll del Volcà del Racó, located 610 meters above sea level. Here is the crater of an ancient volcano, the Racó, which offers views of the vall d’en Bas.
After leaving the crater behind, the trail will take you through a magnificent beech forest that will accompany you to your first important stop: the hermitage of Sant Miquel del Corb. This Romanesque building is located in the middle of a clearing at the foot of the northern slope of Puig Rodó.
In the 18th century, the hermitage underwent a thorough restoration that highlighted its porch and bell tower. This place is the highlight of one part of the trip.
Following the path, you will reach the mas de l’Antiga, an imposing farmhouse with an intriguing legend: it is said that a chasm directly connected the Puig Rodó with this farmhouse. And finally you will reach the second hermitage, the Sant Martí del Corb.
Like its companion, this hermitage is of Romanesque origin and has a single nave with a semicircular apse. What makes this hermitage even more special is that it is in the middle of a beech forest.
