Sant Pere de Begur

Sant Pere de Begur is the parish church standing at the very heart of Begur, the picturesque Costa Brava town in Girona province. Listed in Catalonia's Inventory of Architectural Heritage, it has remained the town's main religious and architectural landmark for centuries, second only to the castle ruins overlooking the rooftops.

How old is the church?

The first written record of a church on this site appears in the Rationes Decimarum tax registers of 1279–1280, meaning parish life in Begur can be traced back to at least the late 13th century. The building visitors see today, however, was raised much later, taking shape gradually through the 16th and 17th centuries. The bells were blessed in 1598, and between 1600 and 1624 the church was enlarged with four side chapels on each flank of the nave plus a sacristy. Final consecration only came in 1653, after nearly half a century of construction work.

What architectural style does it show?

Sant Pere de Begur combines a late Gothic overall structure with Renaissance touches, most visible in the entrance portal. It originally had a single nave flanked by side chapels. During the 18th and 19th centuries the chapels on the north side were reworked into a smaller second nave, dedicated to Santa Reparada, patron saint of the local rope-makers — a detail that hints at the town's old craft traditions.

What happened to it more recently?

During the Spanish Civil War the church was set on fire, and its interior suffered serious damage: part of the historic furnishings and liturgical fittings were lost for good. Despite this, the structure survived, and after restoration it continues to serve as Begur's active parish church, still central to the religious life of the town.

How do you get there?

The church sits right in the center of Begur, on the town's main square, so it's best reached on foot regardless of where you park along the edges of the old town. Begur lies in the Baix Empordà region, roughly 40 minutes' drive from Girona and a similar distance from Figueres, home to the airports that serve most Costa Brava travelers. From the church, it's only a few minutes' walk up to the ruins of Begur Castle, making it easy to combine both stops in a single visit.

What will you see there?

From the outside, the plain stone facade draws the eye with its Renaissance-style portal and a bell tower visible from many corners of town. Inside, look for the two-nave layout created by the 18th-century remodeling, along with the side chapels that mark the successive building phases carried out through the 17th century. The architecture here tells the story of the town's growth better than any information panel could.

When should you visit?

The best times to explore Begur are spring (April to June) and early autumn (September–October), when temperatures are mild and the crowds that fill the narrow old-town streets in July and August have yet to arrive. The church's exterior can be admired year-round, but check local opening hours before planning an interior visit, since access outside Mass times can be limited.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the church free? Yes, entry to the parish church interior is generally free, though limited to hours outside of religious services.

How long does a visit take? Seeing the church itself takes about 15–20 minutes, but pair it with a stroll to the nearby castle and around Begur's old town and you should plan for 1–2 hours.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — Begur Castle (Castell de Begur) is just a few minutes' walk from the church, offering views over the town and surrounding hills.

Why is the church also known as Santa Reparada? Because one of its naves, added in the 18th–19th century, was dedicated to Santa Reparada, patron saint of the local rope-makers, so the parish's full name is Sant Pere i Santa Reparada.