church of Saint Felix

The church of Saint Felix is the main religious landmark of Llagostera, a small town in Catalonia's Girona province. It stands on the highest point of the old quarter, and its tall bell tower can be spotted from almost anywhere in town.

How do you get to the church of Saint Felix?

The church sits right in the historic centre of Llagostera, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot — from the main square and the old town's narrow streets it's usually just a short uphill walk to the highest point of the settlement. Llagostera lies in the Gironès region, close to the city of Girona and the Costa Brava coastline, roughly half an hour's drive from Girona itself. There's no large dedicated car park right by the church, so it's best to park at the edge of the old town and continue on foot, which also means a chance to wander through the surrounding lanes.

What will you see there?

The building standing today dates mostly from the 17th century, even though the parish itself is far older. It follows a rectangular plan with a single nave and a polygonal apse. Overhead, a Gothic vault from the 15th century survives from an earlier building phase, reinforced on the outside by buttresses — a striking contrast with the later Baroque touches on the façade. The entrance portal is flanked by columns and topped with a broken pediment decorated with volutes, a typical feature of Catalan Baroque design. Above the doorway sits a niche covered by a shell-shaped vault; it once held a statue of Saint Felix (Sant Feliu), the church's patron. The original image was lost during the Spanish Civil War, and a reproduction now stands in its place.

The most recognisable part of the whole complex is the polygonal bell tower, crowned with a balustrade and rising to around 50 metres. It functions as the town's most important landmark — visible from many spots around Llagostera and from the surrounding hills, and long regarded as a symbol of the town itself.

A history stretching back to the ninth century

The parish of Sant Feliu is among the oldest in the region. Its first documented mention dates to the year 855, in a charter issued by Charles the Bald confirming the parish's goods and privileges in favour of the monastery of Santa Maria de la Grassa. In 1021, Countess Ermessenda funded renovation works on the building, and in 1058 she placed the church under the jurisdiction of the Bishopric of Girona. Later rebuilding campaigns, including the 17th-century one, gave the church the appearance it has today.

When is the best time to visit?

Daytime visits work best, when the light picks out the façade and the details of the portal. As an active parish church, the interior tends to be open mainly around mass times and set opening hours, so it's worth checking locally before planning a visit on a weekday outside services. Spring and autumn are pleasant seasons for exploring Llagostera's old town without the heat of a typical Catalan summer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the church of Saint Felix in Llagostera? It's a Catholic parish church, the town's main religious monument, standing on the highest point of Llagostera's old quarter in Girona province.

How old is the church? The parish is first recorded in 855, though the current building is mostly 17th century, with a 15th-century Gothic vault preserved from an earlier structure.

What's the most distinctive architectural feature? The tall, polygonal bell tower topped with a balustrade, standing about 50 metres high, along with the Baroque portal with its columns and broken pediment.

Can you see the original statue of Saint Felix? No — the original was lost during the Spanish Civil War. A reproduction now occupies the niche above the entrance.