Mare de Deu de Gràcia

Mare de Déu de Gràcia is a small church in l'Escala, in the Girona province of Catalonia, standing in the Sant Martí d'Empúries area — the historic part of town right next to the Empúries archaeological site. It sits at coordinates 42.1351, 3.11981, on the rise separating the old fishing settlement from the Greco-Roman excavation grounds.

Where does this place of worship come from?

The story of the sanctuary goes back to the early 17th century. In 1605, the Servite friars (Order of the Servants of Mary) established a convent here, taking over a hermitage that already existed and was dedicated to Our Lady of Grace (Mare de Déu de Gràcia). The choice of site was not accidental: the hermitage had already functioned as a local center of Marian devotion, and the friars simply built on that existing tradition, giving it a more organized, monastic form.

Why does l'Escala have a street called Gràcia?

A trace of the old sanctuary survives in the town's street plan to this day. L'Escala still has a street named Gràcia — the very route pilgrims from the town once walked toward the convent and hermitage in Empúries. The street name is a direct reference to the destination of that pilgrimage route and shows how important this place once was for the local community.

Where exactly is the church located?

The church stands within Sant Martí d'Empúries, the part of l'Escala that borders directly on the ruins of ancient Empúries. This means visitors touring the archaeological site can easily combine their visit with a short walk to the nearby church — the two sites are separated by only a short distance along the same stretch of coastline.

What is the character of this area today?

Sant Martí d'Empúries is today a quiet, intimate quarter with a noticeably different feel from l'Escala's touristy town center. Narrow streets, stone houses, and closeness to the sea give it a much calmer atmosphere than the main part of town. The church of Mare de Déu de Gràcia fits naturally into this setting, standing as a witness to centuries of continuous religious life on this small peninsula, which has been inhabited without interruption since antiquity.

What is worth knowing before visiting?

The site's main value lies in its history and setting — it is a point where traces of Greek and Roman colonization intertwine with the later, medieval and early-modern history of Christian Marian devotion in this part of the Costa Brava. For anyone interested in the history of Empúries, the church is a natural addition to a visit, showing how the same place changed its function and meaning over the centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Mare de Déu de Gràcia church located? The church is in l'Escala, in the Sant Martí d'Empúries quarter, right next to the Empúries archaeological site, at coordinates 42.1351, 3.11981.

What is the history of this place? In 1605, the Servite friars founded a convent here, taking over a pre-existing hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of Grace. The site had already served as a local Marian sanctuary before the convent was built.

Why is there a street called Gràcia in l'Escala? The Gràcia street in l'Escala takes its name from the fact that it was the old pilgrimage route leading from the town to the convent and hermitage in Empúries.

Is it worth combining a visit with touring Empúries? Yes — because of how close they are, the church can be visited during a walk through Sant Martí d'Empúries, right by the entrance to the archaeological excavation grounds.