Ermita del Mas Roig

Ermita del Mas Roig is a small, secluded chapel in the municipality of Alcover, in the Alt Camp region of Tarragona province, Catalonia, tucked among fields and woodland on the grounds of the old Mas Roig farmstead. Its full name, Ermita del Sagrat Cor de Jesús del Mas Roig — Hermitage of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Mas Roig — points back to the old flour mill that once stood on this spot before it became a chapel.

Why does this chapel exist?

The building's story is tied to the family who once owned the Mas Roig estate. One of their sons, Ramon Barberà i Boada, was consecrated bishop of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1908, and the family marked the occasion by converting the old mill into a chapel of thanksgiving. For the celebration, the family brought in a young Josep Maria Jujol — the Catalan architect now best remembered for his collaborations with Antoni Gaudí — to oversee the decoration of the temple. According to his son's later account, Jujol also designed the sacristy attached to the chapel, built between 1909 and 1910. That attribution rests on family memory rather than archival documentation, so historians treat it as likely rather than confirmed.

What will you find there?

The chapel is a modest single-nave structure on a rectangular plan measuring roughly 6.95 by 4.45 meters. A small annex serving as the sacristy is attached to one side — the part credited to Jujol. The roof is a simple two-slope ceramic-tile design, angled to face south. Overall, the building reflects the plain, rural character typical of Catalan chapels attached to farmhouses (masos), without elaborate exterior ornamentation. Years of neglect have left it in poor condition, and some accounts describe it as at risk of collapse, so visits today are mostly limited to viewing the exterior.

Right next to the chapel sits a natural spring, the Font del Mas Roig, and together the two form a popular short hiking destination near Alcover. The "Font i Ermita del Mas Roig" route is a favorite among visitors looking for a quiet, easy walk through the countryside of Alt Camp, with a natural spring to rest at along the way.

How do you get there?

Ermita del Mas Roig sits in farmland around Alcover, surrounded by fields and small woods, well off the region's main Costa Daurada tourist routes. The easiest way in is on foot or by bike along local dirt tracks starting from the center of Alcover, a town also known for its proximity to Prades and the Glorieta river valley. Bring water and sturdy footwear, since the approach runs over unpaved farm paths rather than paved roads.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when temperatures in Alt Camp are mild and the surrounding fields and woods look their best. Summer heat inland can be intense, particularly around midday, so an early-morning visit is worth planning for. Winter tends to be quiet with few other visitors, which suits anyone hoping for solitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Ermita del Mas Roig? Because of the building's poor structural condition, visits are mostly limited to the exterior; the interior can be inaccessible or unsafe.

Who designed the chapel's sacristy? Family tradition credits Josep Maria Jujol with the sacristy, built between 1909 and 1910, though no official archival record confirms this.

Is there a water source nearby? Yes — the Font del Mas Roig, a natural spring right beside the chapel, forms a popular walking route together with the hermitage.

How long does it take to reach the chapel from Alcover? It's a short walk or bike ride along local dirt tracks, easily done as a few-hour outing from the town.