Sant Jaume de Puigdemàger

Sant Jaume de Puigdemàger is a small Romanesque church standing above the ruins of the medieval Puigdemàger castle, in the municipality of Els Prats de Rei, in the Anoia comarca (Catalonia, Spain). The site sits on a hilltop at roughly 694 metres above sea level, at coordinates 41.727912, 1.550407.

Where does the name Puigdemàger come from?

The name refers to the former settlement and castle of Puigdemàger, whose origins go back to the 11th century. The earliest documented reference to the place dates from 1070, when it served as a local settlement centre for the surrounding area.

What do historical records say about the castle?

The castle resurfaces in the records in 1359, listed in a tax census drawn up at the Corts held in Cervera. At that time the property belonged to the abbess of Berga. Over the following centuries the castle building lost its architectural form almost entirely, so today little remains that can be recognised as a structure — mostly the terrain of the former defensive hilltop.

What survives today?

Of the whole complex, the church of Sant Jaume is what has survived best, although it too stands in a ruined state. A small cemetery lies beside it. Scattered around the site are remains of other buildings from the former settlement — some retain barrel-vaulted chambers, and one structure is noticeably better preserved than the ruins surrounding it.

What does the hilltop site look like?

The former Puigdemàger site has the character of an abandoned historical location, free of modern construction, with views over the surrounding hills of the Anoia region. The combination of church, cemetery and scattered defensive walls makes it a worthwhile stop for a short heritage walk.

How to get to Sant Jaume de Puigdemàger

Access is via the N-141b road, which connects Calaf and Sant Pere Sallavinera. Cars can be left near the Hostal del Bou, from where a path leads uphill to the church and the castle ruins. Entry to the site is free, requires no booking, and the walk is suitable for families.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sant Jaume de Puigdemàger? It is a church located in the municipality of Els Prats de Rei, in the Anoia comarca, standing on the site of the former Puigdemàger castle.

Which municipality is it in? Els Prats de Rei, in the Anoia comarca, Barcelona province.

Does the Puigdemàger castle still exist? Not as a recognisable structure — only the hilltop terrain and scattered traces of the old settlement remain, while the church itself has survived, albeit in ruins.

Is entry to the site paid? No, access is free.

How do you get there? Via the N-141b road between Calaf and Sant Pere Sallavinera, then on foot uphill from the parking area at Hostal del Bou.

How is the settlement's history documented? Through historical records — the first mention dates from 1070, and a second from 1359, when the property appeared in a tax census from the Corts of Cervera as belonging to the abbess of Berga.