Ermita del Puig

Ermita del Puig is a small Romanesque chapel perched on a hill above Esparreguera, in Barcelona province, right at the foot of the Montserrat mountain range. Formally known as Ermita de Santa Maria del Puig, the building traces its roots to the mid-10th century, making it one of the older surviving religious sites in this part of Catalonia.

What is the story behind Ermita del Puig?

The earliest surviving written reference to the chapel dates from 985. Its most important period came around the mid-14th century, when a small settlement founded by Pere Sacosta grew up around it, and Esparreguera itself came under the authority of the abbot of Montserrat in 1351, joining the abbey's estate. The centuries that followed were less kind to the building: a 15th-century earthquake left it badly damaged, and it was hit again during the Spanish Civil War in the 20th century. Repairs did not begin until 1945, driven by Alfred Sedó, an industrialist who owned the nearby Colònia Sedó workers' settlement — the restored building visitors see today largely reflects that effort.

What can you see inside and outside the chapel?

The design follows Romanesque conventions closely: one nave covered by a curved stone vault, a rounded apse at the end, and smaller rectangular chapels set to the sides. Where the transept crosses the nave, an oval dome rises above the roofline, appearing from outside as a six-sided tower — the single most recognizable feature of the building. Its bell tower came later and was not part of the original plan.

How can you get to Ermita del Puig?

The chapel sits along the road heading toward Olesa de Montserrat, off the main tourist circuits but not hard to reach from Esparreguera itself. Because it stands on raised ground, the terrace beside the church looks out over the former industrial settlement of Colònia Sedó and the neighboring town of Olesa de Montserrat.

When should you plan a visit?

Given its open, elevated position, the site is generally more pleasant to visit in spring or autumn, when the climb is easier and the views across the valley toward the Montserrat massif are at their clearest. The hills around the chapel are also a common starting point for short hikes linking it to nearby viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors go inside Ermita del Puig? The chapel is still an active place of worship, but it does not keep fixed, publicly listed opening hours, so it is worth checking locally before heading over.

How close is it to Montserrat monastery? The chapel sits at the base of the Montserrat range, within the municipality of Esparreguera, though the actual travel time to the monastery depends on the route and means of transport used.

Is it worth pairing with a stop at Colònia Sedó? Yes — the terrace next to the chapel overlooks the former Colònia Sedó industrial estate, itself a notable example of Catalonia's 19th- and 20th-century industrial architecture.

Why is it called "del Puig"? "Puig" is simply the Catalan word for hill, referring to the rise the chapel stands on — a name shared with many similar hilltop chapels across Catalonia.