Sant Jaume de Campdorà

Sant Jaume de Campdorà is the former parish church of Campdorà, a small settlement on the eastern edge of Girona, in Catalonia's Gironès region. This modest Romanesque-rooted church sits away from the city's tourist core, offering a glimpse of how rural parish life around Girona looked centuries before these outlying villages were absorbed into the modern city.

A history dating back to the 10th century

The earliest documents mentioning Campdorà date from 992, making this one of the older parishes in the area. It briefly operated as an independent parish before becoming attached, already in the 11th century, to one of Girona's city parishes — a common arrangement for small rural communities in medieval Catalonia. Campdorà itself changed administrative hands over time: it was annexed to the municipality of Celrà in 1846, and only became part of Girona in 1969, the city it belongs to today.

What can you see here?

Archaeological excavations confirm the church's Romanesque origins, but its current appearance results from a thorough 18th-century remodeling — Neoclassical in structure, topped with a Baroque crown. Inside, a single nave leads to an almond-shaped apse, with a choir near the entrance that has recently been restored. At the back of the nave stands a polychrome alabaster altarpiece, one of the more striking pieces of the church's interior decoration. In front of the entrance, the church still preserves a porch, or galilee — an architectural feature rarely found elsewhere in Catalonia, which makes Sant Jaume de Campdorà a notable stop for anyone interested in the region's religious architecture.

How do you get there?

Campdorà lies on the outskirts of Girona, so the easiest way to reach it is by car or bicycle — the surrounding area has a semi-rural feel, with scattered farmhouses and open land. The church works well as part of a longer walk or ride through Girona's quieter fringes, away from the routes leading to the cathedral and the Old Town.

When should you visit?

Given its low-key, local character, it's best to visit outside peak tourist hours, since the church still functions as an active parish — checking opening times in advance is worthwhile. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the surrounding countryside on foot or by bike.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sant Jaume de Campdorà open to visitors? As an active parish church, interior access may be limited to service times or arranged visits — it's best to check locally or with the parish beforehand.

What sets this church apart from other Romanesque churches around Girona? Its standout features are the preserved entrance porch, or galilee — a rare element in Catalan religious architecture — and the polychrome alabaster altarpiece inside.

Is it worth combining with a visit to central Girona? Yes, Campdorà sits close to the city, so the church makes a good extra stop on a longer walk or bike ride away from the main tourist trail.

How old is this church? The earliest records of Campdorà date from 992, and the building itself has documented Romanesque origins, even though its current form comes from an 18th-century rebuild.