Sant Francesc de Blanes

Sant Francesc Convent sits above the town of Blanes, on the rocky headland of Punta de Santa Anna that closes off the bay on its seaward side. It's one of the most recognizable landmarks along this stretch of the Costa Brava, where centuries of monastic history meet a dramatic coastal view.

How did this site begin?

A small chapel dedicated to Saint Anne stood on this headland as early as the 15th century, with records mentioning it from 1477. In 1438, Bernat Joan de Cabrera, Count of Modica and lord of Blanes, secured permission from the Bishop of Girona to establish a Franciscan convent on the spot. The convent building itself was completed in 1583, after the older chapel had already been converted into the first monastic quarters the year before. Locals came to call it the "Capuchin convent," since the friars who settled there followed that branch of the Franciscan reform.

How did the convent grow over the centuries?

The community expanded quickly, and by 1626 the original building could no longer hold everyone. The friars enlarged both the convent and the church, giving the complex much of the layout that survives today. Religious life continued on Punta de Santa Anna until 1835, when Spain's confiscation of church property under the Mendizábal reforms forced the friars out. The empty building was then left to decay for decades.

Who saved the convent from ruin?

The turning point came in 1910, when the publisher Joaquim Casas i Carbó, brother of the painter Ramon Casas, bought the property. He began restoration work that the Biosca Garriga family took over and continued from 1942 onward. Those efforts kept the building from being demolished and preserved its historic layout — the church, cloisters, and former monastic cells.

What can visitors see at the Convent today?

The former convent now stands restored on the Santa Anna headland, known locally simply as "El Convent." Its sacred architecture remains visible in the church and the monastic interiors, and its position above Blanes bay makes an impression at any time of year. The site combines more than five centuries of religious history with its role as one of the town's key coastal landmarks, clearly visible from the seafront promenade.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Sant Francesc convent in Blanes built? A chapel already stood on the site in the 15th century, and permission to build a Franciscan convent was granted in 1438. The convent building itself dates from 1583.

Why was it known as the "Capuchin convent"? The friars who settled in Blanes belonged to the Franciscan family linked to the Capuchin reform movement, which is why locals used that name for the convent.

What happened to the convent after 1835? Spain's confiscation of church property forced the friars to leave, and the building stood abandoned for decades until it was bought and restored starting in 1910.

Where exactly is the Sant Francesc Convent located? On the Punta de Santa Anna headland at the edge of Blanes bay, clearly visible from the town's seafront promenade.