Sant Corneli de Montells

Sant Corneli de Montells is a small, now partly ruined chapel standing on the Turó de Sant Corneli hill in the municipality of Fogars de la Selva, in the Girona province of Catalonia. The site sits on a volcanic basalt outcrop roughly 185 meters above sea level, which alone makes it a worthwhile viewpoint over the surrounding Selva countryside.

What is the history behind this site?

The chapel's origins go back to 1200, when Pere Gros donated the land to Guerau del Puig de Montells. A year later, the priest Pere de Canadell joined the initiative, and the site was already recorded in a testament dated 1204. From 1218 onward, the chapel came under the authority of the Roca-Rossa monastery, following a donation from the viscounts of Cabrera.

Its history was far from peaceful. A fire struck around 1351, and in 1391 the monastery attempted to sell the property for 400 gold florins. In 1397, a hermit — friar Andreu Torranella — settled here, obligated to pay the monastery 100 sous a year. Records from 1403 mention three separate altars: Sant Corneli, Santa Maria, and Sant Pere, showing the site once held greater religious weight than its modest remains suggest today.

Ownership kept changing in the following centuries. The property was sold in 1563, and an ecclesiastical agreement covering the anchorite's house, the chapel, and land rights was confirmed in 1593. Disputes over tithes were recorded as late as 1679.

What can visitors see today?

Between the 17th and 18th centuries, a lay confraternity ran the site, organizing an annual gathering every September 16th for the patron saint's feast, complete with musicians, decorations, and two officiating priests. It was the high point of the local community's religious calendar.

The original chapel buildings were unfortunately demolished by machinery in the mid-20th century, so nothing remains of the structure in its complete form. What survives are dry stone walls tracing the hill's old field terraces and pathways — quiet evidence of centuries of use. The hilltop is easy to reach, though the land itself is privately owned, so visitors should be respectful when exploring.

How do you get to Turó de Sant Corneli?

The hill lies within the municipality of Fogars de la Selva, in Girona province. Access is described as straightforward — it's a modest rise well suited to a short walk, rewarding visitors with views over the Selva countryside. It pairs well with a broader day out exploring other points of interest around Fogars de la Selva.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the site is essentially open hilltop terrain with no covered attractions, spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures and the clearest views. September 16th carries historical significance as the old patron saint's feast day, though the confraternity's traditions are no longer actively kept today.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sant Corneli de Montells still an active church? No. The historic chapel is in ruins — its structures were torn down in the mid-20th century, leaving mainly stone walls and the outline of the former grounds.

Who owns the land? The hill and the chapel remains are privately owned, even though the hilltop itself is easy to walk up to.

Where does the name "de Montells" come from? It refers to Guerau del Puig de Montells, the man who first received the land in a donation founding the site in 1200.

Is the hike worth it just for the view? Yes — the basalt outcrop offers a panorama over the Selva countryside and is easy to reach, making it a good target for a short outing.