Getaways

Monks, troubadours and even legendary characters such as Count Arnau. We are in the heart of Catalonia, a land full of history and evidence of the past. Extraordinary monasteries, fortresses located in unlikely places and caverns that were home to farmers up to the beginning of the last century. Discover some of the hidden corners of Ripollès and Osona!

THE MONASTERY OF SANT PERE DE CASSERRES

Located within a very pronounced meander of the river Ter, now half surrounded by the Sau reservoir, Casserres is the only monastery of the Benedictine order found in the county of Osona. The main instigators of Sant Pere de Casserres were two women, the Viscountesses Ermetruit and Engúncia in the early 11th century. It is considered to be a monastery of legend... find out why.

TARADELL CASTLE

If you suffer from vertigo, don't get too close to the remains of Taradell castle: situated at 800 metres above sea-level, over a cavern, if you visit, you'll have the Vic plain at your feet... The castle was designed as a defence and a lookout, and was never the residence of the Lords of Taradell who lived in the Casal 'Espinzella.

THE TEIXIDOR CAVES

The Teixidor Caves, in the middle of the forest, were used as dwellings by many farmers from Ripollès and Osona until well into the 20th century. Thus, there are still remains of buildings in the midst of some spectacular cliffs.

THE MONASTERY OF SANTA MARIA DE RIPOLL

The monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll needs little introduction: an artistic and cultural centre of the highest order during the Middle Ages, it is, at the same time, one of the greatest examples of the Romanesque architecture from the 11th century.

MUSEU EPISCOPAL DE VIC

Although it specialises in liturgical art, painting and sculpture, the collection of the Episcopal Museum of Vic, with more than 29,000 pieces, is particularly noted for its magnificent collection of medieval art: you can find masterpieces of paintings and sculptures from the Romanesque and the Gothic periods. An unmissable visit!

Have we managed to inspire you? Do you have any other interesting ideas to add to this suggestion? Send them to us on Facebook or publish your images on Instagram with the hashtag #patrimonicultural