Sant Martí del Far

Sant Martí del Far is a Romanesque parish church standing at the very center of El Far d'Empordà, a village in the Alt Empordà region, Girona province, Catalonia. The church occupies the highest point of the settlement, which explains both its former defensive role and the village's name — "Far" refers to a raised lookout point.

How old is the church?

The first written mention of a church dedicated to Saint Martin here dates back to a document from the year 936, showing that a place of worship already stood on this hill in the early 10th century. The building visible today, however, is later: it is a work of late Romanesque architecture, raised toward the end of the 13th century during the transition toward Gothic forms. Construction coincided with the building of the local castle, and the church most likely formed part of its complex — which explains why it sits on the settlement's highest ground.

What can you see inside and outside?

The interior follows a simple single-nave plan: a rectangular main nave connects to a narrower, also rectangular chancel, both covered with pointed vaults. On the façade, a large arched window draws attention, decorated with a saw-tooth pattern and vegetal-motif reliefs. The upper edges of the walls are topped with gargoyles, a common feature of the period that originally served to channel rainwater away from the structure.

The entrance door deserves a closer look, since it has kept its original medieval ironwork. Ribbed metal strips ending in double spirals are still visible, together with a row of horseshoe-shaped fittings — a decorative motif frequently found on doors of churches dedicated to Saint Martin, patron of horsemen and soldiers.

Why was the church built on a hilltop?

The hilltop position was no accident. This part of Alt Empordà, open toward the plain and close to the coast, needed watch points to guard against raids — hence the castle of which the church was part, and the very name of the village, referring to its role as a lookout site. Today, even though most of the fortifications have not survived, the church still dominates the skyline of El Far d'Empordà and remains the village's most recognizable landmark.

Is it still an active parish?

The church continues to function as a parish dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, part of the diocese of Girona. This means the building is not simply a monument open for sightseeing but a living place of worship where services are still held — worth keeping in mind when planning a visit, and a reason to behave accordingly on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the church in El Far d'Empordà dedicated to? It is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, which is why it is known as Sant Martí del Far.

From which period does the building date? The first mention of a place of worship here goes back to 936, while the current Romanesque structure was built toward the end of the 13th century, alongside the nearby castle.

What is the most distinctive architectural feature? The large façade window with its saw-tooth decoration, and the entrance door, which still carries medieval wrought-iron fittings shaped into spirals and horseshoes.

Why does the church stand on a hill? For defensive reasons — the building most likely formed part of the old castle guarding the area, and the hill itself gave the village its name.