Sant Pere del Romaní

Sant Pere del Romaní is a small Romanesque chapel perched on a hilltop above Molins de Rei, in the Baix Llobregat district of Catalonia. It stands on the western slopes of the Collserola range, within the boundaries of the natural park that shares its name, and is protected as a cultural property of national interest.

Where exactly is the chapel located?

Sant Pere del Romaní sits on the crest of a hill in the southern part of Molins de Rei, overlooking the Riera Bonet stream and the old Rajolí spring. From this elevated spot, the view opens onto the Llobregat river valley, a vantage point that has made the site strategically useful for centuries.

When was the chapel built, and where does its history start?

The earliest written record connected to the site dates back to the year 1001, when a local priest named Baldofredo and his wife Chillio donated several properties, including a small oratory, to the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. That modest oratory is considered the predecessor of the stone building visitors see today. The chapel itself, as it now stands, was raised in the 11th century, and for a period it formed part of the parish of Santa Creu d'Olorda.

How did the building change over the centuries?

By 1248, the chapel had come under the ownership of a local feudal lord. Between the 12th and 17th centuries, it passed through the hands of several private owners and families. In the 17th century, a small square tower was added to the structure, serving as a watchtower and signalling post — a role that made good use of the building's commanding position over the surrounding countryside. The chapel was eventually abandoned around the middle of the 20th century, but it was brought back through two restoration campaigns, completed in 1956 and again in 1987.

What does the architecture look like?

The building follows a simple rectangular plan enclosed by thick stone walls, characteristic of humble rural Romanesque architecture. Inside, a barrel vault covers the nave, while the semicircular apse is thought to have been added at a slightly later stage than the main body of the chapel. The square tower attached in the 17th century stands in clear contrast to the original austere volume, reflecting the shift in the building's role from a place of worship to a lookout post during more turbulent times.

What should visitors know before heading there?

Sant Pere del Romaní lies along walking routes that cross the Collserola natural park, making it a common stop for hikes that combine scenery with local history. Reaching the chapel involves a modest climb up the hillside, rewarded by open views over the Llobregat valley. Above all, the site stands as a record of early medieval religious settlement in this part of Catalonia, and its long history of changing owners and additions illustrates how such buildings evolved — from a place of prayer, to feudal property, to a functional watch point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Sant Pere del Romaní? The oldest reference to the site dates to 1001, and the current stone chapel was built in the 11th century, making it roughly a thousand years old.

Why does the chapel have a tower? A square tower was added in the 17th century to serve as a watchtower and signalling point, taking advantage of the chapel's elevated position.

Which parish did the chapel belong to? For a period, Sant Pere del Romaní was part of the parish of Santa Creu d'Olorda.

Was the building ever abandoned? Yes, it fell into disuse around the mid-20th century before being restored in 1956 and again in 1987.

Where is the chapel in relation to Molins de Rei? It stands on a hill in the southern part of town, above the Riera Bonet stream and the old Rajolí spring, on the western slopes of Collserola.