SANT PERE DE RODES MONASTERY

Located on the Verdera mountain, the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes is one of the treasures of Catalan Romanesque art, and one of the most emblematic of the Empordà region. It stands almost 520 meters above sea level, in the heart of a breathtaking landscape. The origins of this Benedictine monastery are uncertain, although the first references to it date back to the late ^9th century. However, it was the early ^10th century that marked the beginning of its splendor, with the construction of the church taking place between the ^10th and ^11th centuries. The power and prestige of Rodes Abbey consolidated between the 12th and ^13th centuries, making it one of the most important centers of spiritual, political and economic power of its time.

Armed conflicts, epidemics and the crisis of the Benedictine order contributed to the decline of the abbey from the ^14th century onwards, although it did experience a period of economic recovery from the ^17th to ^18th centuries, thanks to the growth of the wine industry in the region. The monks abandoned it for good in 1798, and there followed a long process of collapse and intense despoilment until 1930, when it was listed as a National Historic-Artistic Monument. This marked the beginning of restoration work, but it wasn't until the decade 1989-1999 that an ambitious program of archaeological excavations and restorations was carried out.

Allow a good two hours for atour of the complex, which is built around some twenty elements, including of course the upper cloister, dating from the ^12th century and considered the heart of the monastery, and the church with its Lombard-influenced square tower.

Two other monuments complete the Sant Pere de Rodes ensemble: the castle of Sant Salvador de Verdera, at the top of the mountain, and the small village of Vall de Santa Creu de Rodes, 1 km to the north, on a street adjacent to the one leading to the monastery

. For those who wish to enjoy an even more superb view of El Port de la Selva, we recommend continuing the climb to the remains of the very old church of Santa Elena, of pre-Romanesque origin, located not far from the monastery. Excavations carried out in the vicinity suggest that this must have been a key passageway in the pilgrimages to Sant Pere de Rodes.