Sant Martí De Llémena: Volcanic Landscape and Cultural Heritage

When choosing a hotel in Sant Martí De Llémena, the area’s landscapes and cultural history can help you shape your stay around your interests. The municipality stretches along the middle valley of the Riera de Llémena, which runs through its territory. Near the village of Sant Martí, the cliffs of Coves i cingles de Sant Martí almost surround the village. They preserve cave habitats dating from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Age, from 3500 BC to 700 BC. Here, a defining river landscape meets a long prehistoric history.

Landscape and volcanism

Much of the municipality’s mountainous landscape is covered by holm oak and chestnut forests. There is also the Banya de Boc, an ancient volcano whose lava flows reach down into the Llémena valley. The forest landscape and volcanic geology are distinct aspects of the municipality: the forests cover much of the mountainous landscape, while the lava flows form a direct connection with the valley.

Volcanism is also a feature of walking and cycling routes. Routes to Banya del Boc lead to an example of Quaternary volcanism in Catalonia; the area is of considerable geological interest. If you are interested in landscapes and the history of the Earth, this is a distinct highlight alongside the cave habitats and historic buildings.

Churches and historic buildings

The parish church of Sant Martí is documented in 1031 and 1065. The former Castell de Granollers was the centre of the Barony of Granollers. The two buildings represent different aspects of the village’s history: the church is attested by early dates, while the Castell is notable for its former role as the centre of the barony.

Sant Pere de Llorà is a well-preserved Romanesque church. Its floor plan comprises a nave, a semicircular apse and two small side apses. Recent restoration work uncovered remains of Romanesque wall paintings in the lower part of the apse and side apses. The church’s architecture can therefore be appreciated not only through its form but also through the surviving painted fragments.

The Esglesiola de Sant Joan del Pla was built in the 11th century and retains its original appearance, having undergone no major alterations. It stands directly on the road between Llorà and Sant Martí. Its location is thus closely tied to this road connection, while its historic significance also lies in its largely unchanged appearance.

The Ermita de Sant Nazari dates from the 18th century and lies on the opposite side of the Llémena from Sant Martí. Its architectural features include an elongated nave, a rectangular door and two side windows. The bell gable has one opening, and the porch is supported by two plain columns. These features give the chapel a distinctive architectural character, setting it apart from the Romanesque churches.

Farmhouse and archaeological finds

Peradalta is a three-storey farmhouse south of the Pla de Sant Joan plain, near the Llémena. It dates from the 15th or 16th century, making it older than the dates 1600 and 1611 inscribed on some of its door lintels. A square tower fortified the building. At Peradalta, you can distinguish the farmhouse’s architectural form and multi-storey layout from the later dates inscribed on individual lintels.

The Cova de Boratuna is also among the area’s archaeological sites: Neolithic pottery was found there. Together with the cave habitats near Sant Martí, the find points to prehistoric traces in different local contexts. Sant Martí De Llémena therefore offers several distinct interests for planning a trip: volcanic landscapes and routes, Romanesque and later religious buildings, and archaeological evidence from periods far in the past.

Discover more destinations: Llorà, Terrades, Ultramort, Lloret De Mar, Vilallonga De Ter, Pujals dels Pagesos, Toses, Cistella.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.