Mare de Déu de Muntanyans

Mare de Déu de Muntanyans is a small hermitage crowning a hilltop above Castellet i la Gornal, a Catalan municipality in the Alt Penedès district, Barcelona province.

Where exactly is the Mare de Déu de Muntanyans hermitage?

The chapel sits at the top of Montanyans hill, close to the hamlet of Les Masuques. Dense surrounding woodland keeps it hidden from a distance, so it only comes into view once visitors climb well into the forested slope. That remote setting, away from any main road, has long given the place the feel of a hideaway shrine that locals from nearby villages have made a point of visiting for generations.

What is the story behind this hermitage?

The earliest written record of the site dates to 1341, appearing in a document connected to a certain Albert de Muntanyans. Historians suspect the shrine is actually older still, since an inscription bearing the year 1230 was found carved into one of the walls — pointing to medieval roots that predate the first paper trail by more than a century.

The original medieval structure was enlarged during the 14th century, mainly around the apse. A further, much later renovation came in 1750, when a chambril — a raised chamber above the chancel — was added. The 20th century then brought a harsh turn: the building was burned down during the Spanish Civil War. Local residents rebuilt it with their own hands between 1955 and 1962, restoring the hermitage to use.

What does the building look like?

Mare de Déu de Muntanyans is a single-nave chapel reinforced with buttresses, in keeping with the modest rural church architecture typical of the area. An off-centre bell-cote with two openings rises above the façade — a familiar feature on Catalan countryside chapels. The entrance is set within a rounded-arch doorway, cut from ashlar stone and finished with moulded surrounds.

Are there any celebrations held here?

Yes — every year on Easter Monday, worshippers make their way up to Mare de Déu de Muntanyans for the traditional aplec, a local pilgrimage gathering. It's a good excuse to pair a visit to the shrine with a walk through the wooded hillside and some quiet time away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reach the hermitage on foot? Yes. It stands atop Montanyans hill, and getting there typically means following forest paths from around Les Masuques — a popular short walk for anyone exploring the area around Castellet i la Gornal.

How old is the building? The first written mention dates from 1341, though an inscribed date of 1230 found on one of its walls suggests the shrine's medieval origins may run even deeper.

Why was the chapel rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s? Because the original building was destroyed by fire during the Spanish Civil War. Residents of the surrounding villages rebuilt it themselves between 1955 and 1962, out of a shared commitment to preserving local heritage.

When is the best time to visit? Easter Monday stands out, when the annual aplec takes place — a pilgrimage tradition that blends the site's religious character with an open-air local celebration.