Sant Antoni del Tossal

Sant Antoni del Tossal is a small but strikingly elegant chapel perched atop the Tossal de Miralles hill in the municipality of Alàs i Cerc, in the Alt Urgell region. The site sits almost exactly on the boundary between Alàs i Cerc and La Seu d'Urgell, and from here you get one of the best panoramic views over the whole valley and the town of La Seu d'Urgell, with the Pyrenees rising behind it.

How do you get there?

A walking trail leads to the chapel starting from around Cerc or Alàs. The route is short and doesn't require special preparation, though sturdy shoes help since the final stretch climbs an unpaved path. It's a popular walk among locals and mountain bikers alike, and it's also signposted as part of the Camina Pirineus trail network. The easiest option is to park in Cerc and walk up — the hike takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes one way, depending on the route you choose.

What will you see?

The building stands out against typical Pyrenean religious architecture. It was designed in the 1920s in the Catalan Modernisme style by architect Joan Bergós i Massó, working in the tradition of that architectural movement. The chapel has a single nave with a choir and an altar holding a figure of Saint Anthony of Padua. The structure is topped by a dome-shaped roof crowned with a cross, and the main altar is covered in a delicate mosaic of small stones — a level of detail rarely found in such a modest rural building.

The chapel was funded by Antoni Secases, a native of Alàs who had emigrated to the Americas to seek his fortune. According to local tradition, he was caught in a storm at sea and vowed that if he survived he would build a shrine to his patron saint — a promise he kept. The building was formally inaugurated on 13 June 1931, the feast day of Saint Anthony of Padua, with the blessing performed by Bishop Justí Guitart. In 1977 it underwent a restoration that altered some of its original features, yet it's still regarded as one of the most notable Modernista works surviving anywhere in the Alt Urgell region.

The summit of Tossal de Miralles itself is a natural viewpoint — from the terrace in front of the chapel you can take in the plain of La Seu d'Urgell, the surrounding farmland, and the first ridges of the Pyrenees. It makes a perfect spot to catch your breath during a longer walk through the area.

When should you visit?

The liveliest moment of the year falls on 13 June, when Sant Antoni del Tossal hosts its traditional aplec — a local festival combining a mass, a shared outdoor meal, and a gathering of people from the surrounding villages. If your trip lines up with that date, it's worth timing your visit for the day itself to see the site full of activity. Outside the festival, the chapel remains a quiet stop along the hiking routes, accessible year-round — spring through autumn offers the best walking conditions, when the trail is dry and easy to follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the chapel open all the time? There are no fixed opening hours — it's a small rural chapel, generally viewed from outside, with the interior opened occasionally, especially during the 13 June aplec.

Is the walk difficult? The route is moderate — a short uphill climb manageable for most people with average fitness, though comfortable footwear is recommended.

Who designed the chapel? It was designed by architect Joan Bergós i Massó in the Catalan Modernisme style during the 1920s.

Why was the chapel built? It was funded by Antoni Secases, an emigrant from Alàs, in gratitude to Saint Anthony of Padua for surviving a storm at sea.