Discover Sant Joan De Les Abadesses

Sant Joan de les Abadesses can be explored through a range of themes: monastic history, architecture, Festa Major traditions and nature trails. Its sights and themes offer different perspectives. You can tailor your stay to your interests, whether you are particularly drawn to Romanesque art, local customs or birdwatching.

Monastic history and art

The Monestir de Sant Joan de les Abadesses was founded in 885 as a Benedictine community of women and is considered the first convent for women founded in Catalonia. The present-day church was consecrated in 1150; the monastery also includes a Gothic cloister dating from the 15th century. Inside the church is the Santíssim Misteri, the only Romanesque Descent from the Cross preserved in situ in Catalonia. “In situ” means that the work has been preserved in its original location. The Romanesque Descent and the Gothic cloister thus represent different artistic and architectural features of the monastery.

The Palau de l'Abadia houses the Centre d'Interpretació del Mite del Comte Arnau and the permanent exhibition “Romànic, una volta pel Ripollès,” featuring scale models. The permanent exhibition about Count Arnau is divided into three sections: the folk song from which the legend originates, the legend's content and spread, and the emergence of Count Arnau as a myth and its cultural impact. These themes trace the story from its origins to its cultural significance. El Palmàs also connects a place with a specific biography: the composer Jaume Nunó was born in this house in 1824.

Bridges, city walls and Festa Major

Pont Vell is a Gothic bridge over the Ter and runs parallel to the new bridge. Comparing the two bridges connects a specific historic architectural form with its modern counterpart without treating them as the same structure. In Parc de la Muralla, you can see a substantial section of the old city wall and the remains of one of its towers.

The Ball dels Pabordes is designated as festive cultural heritage of national interest. During the Festa Major, it is performed on Sunday and Monday in Plaça Major. Another tradition is the Diana Florejada, also called the Ball del pijama: the night-time procession takes place in the early hours of Monday to Tuesday. Dancing continues afterwards, and breakfast of chocolate and churros is served. Event details may vary from one edition to another. If the Festa Major is important to your travel plans, check the dates and programme for your intended travel period.

Local flavours and trails

Dolç del Comte Arnau is inspired by medieval recipes and can be sampled at the town's bakeries and pastry shops. Availability locally may vary. Nature is another theme to consider when planning, with different starting points to choose from: La Ruta del Ferro information point is located beside the Via Verda in Parc de l'Estació. It provides information about routes and bicycle rentals. Check the current rental arrangements before your trip.

One trail runs through a wetland on the left bank of the Ter and leads to an observation hide at Pantà de Cal Gat. From there, you can observe various bird species, particularly during migration. Birdwatching here is therefore seasonal. Another circular route crosses the municipality and passes four hermitages: Sant Antoni de Pàdua, Santa Llúcia de Puigmal, Sant Ponç d'Aulina and Santa Magdalena de Perella. Three of them are Romanesque. As conditions along this circular route can change locally, check them before setting out.

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Go to the main travel overview: Girona.