Sant Andreu d'Ullà

Sant Andreu d'Ullà is a medieval church in the village of Ullà, in the Baix Empordà district of Girona province, Catalonia. Standing in the historic core of the village, just a short walk from the church of Santa Maria d'Ullà, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the municipality, even though it no longer serves a religious purpose.

What's the history behind this church?

The earliest written record of Sant Andreu dates to 1182, when the second church of the Augustinian priory of Santa Maria d'Ullà was consecrated by the Archbishop of Tarragona, Berenguer, and the Bishop of Girona, Ramon Guisall. That consecration act confirmed the canonry's rights over several neighboring parishes, Sant Andreu among them. For centuries afterward, Sant Andreu functioned as the parish church of Ullà. That changed in the 19th century: the new church of Santa Maria was consecrated in 1804 and took over as the parish church of the village.

Losing its religious role didn't mean the building fell into disuse. It served as the village school until 1928, when a new schoolhouse opened, and it also functioned as a cultural center for the community. The building was restored in 1980 and today belongs to the Ullà town council, serving as an exhibition hall and venue for cultural events. It is listed in the Inventory of Architectural Heritage of Catalonia.

What will you actually see there?

The church has a rectangular floor plan with no distinct chancel — a feature that sets it apart from typical rural churches of the region. The interior is divided into two sections with different vaulting: the western part, considered the oldest, is covered by a barrel vault, while the eastern part has a pointed vault with no supporting arch. This contrast in vaulting styles offers a visible record of the building's construction phases over time.

The entrance sits on the south wall and is closed with a lintel, while the west wall preserves a narrow loophole-type opening, likely serving a defensive or lighting purpose in its original design. The masonry itself tells a story: the oldest western section rests on a base of large, only roughly hewn stones, while the upper courses and the eastern section show noticeably finer stonework — evidence of successive building and rebuilding phases.

How do you get to Sant Andreu d'Ullà?

Ullà sits in the Baix Empordà district of Girona province, a short distance inland from the Costa Brava coastline and close to towns such as Torroella de Montgrí and L'Estartit. The church stands right in the village center, along a signposted historical walking route through Ullà — an easy stop if you're exploring the wider Empordà region, and it pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby Santa Maria d'Ullà church.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the building now operates as an exhibition space, it's worth checking the local cultural calendar before visiting, as access to the interior can depend on scheduled exhibitions or events. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring the village on foot, given how warm the Empordà summer can get.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sant Andreu d'Ullà still an active church? No. Since the 19th century, the church of Santa Maria d'Ullà has held the parish role, and Sant Andreu was deconsecrated. The building is now owned by the town council and used as an exhibition hall and cultural venue.

How old is the church? Its oldest section, on the western side, is documented as early as 1182, though the masonry suggests it may predate that record. The eastern section, with its different vaulting, was added in a later building phase.

Can visitors go inside? Yes. Following its 1980 restoration, the building operates as a cultural and exhibition space, with access depending on scheduled events — it's best to check the current program before arriving.

What else is worth seeing nearby in Ullà? A short walk from Sant Andreu stands the church of Santa Maria d'Ullà, its parish successor consecrated in 1804, and the village follows a marked historical route connecting the main points of interest in Ullà.