Sant Pere i Sant Feliu d'Olivella

The Church of Sant Pere i Sant Feliu is the parish church of Olivella, a town in the Garraf region of Catalonia, standing on a rocky outcrop in the upper part of the settlement. The building, together with the neighboring Castell Nou (New Castle), formed the nucleus around which the modern town of Olivella grew.

How did the parish begin?

A parish dedicated to Sant Pere (Saint Peter) and Sant Feliu already existed in 1513, though its roots go back further. The original church honoring Saint Peter stood by the old castle, and from 1508 it was also dedicated to Saint Feliu. In the first half of the 17th century, Olivella's population grew, prompting church authorities to relocate the parish. In 1625 the church was moved to the site of Castell Nou, which became the seed from which today's town center developed.

What will you see at the site?

The current church building was constructed between 1625 and 1671 as an expansion of an earlier temple, probably dating from the 15th century. The main altar was actually built earlier, between 1609 and 1619, while the surrounding expansion works continued until 1671. During this period several side chapels were added: the Chapel of the Rosary, the Chapel of Saint Isidore, and the Chapel of the Holy Christ.

The church has a single nave and a stone facade with a Renaissance-style portal, topped by a pediment resting on fluted pilasters — the vertical, flat columns with decorative grooves typical of the style. The overall layout is asymmetrical, and the building is closed off at the chancel end by a semicircular apse. Another distinctive feature is that the church stands directly on a rock foundation, most visible from the hillside.

The building's history includes a dramatic chapter: in 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, the church and its adjoining rectory were set on fire, and the parish priest was killed in the events of that time. The facade and bell tower underwent a thorough restoration in 1991, which preserved the church's characteristic appearance to this day.

How do you get there?

The church sits in the upper part of Olivella, a town in the Garraf region, close to the Costa Daurada coastline and within easy reach of Barcelona. Because of its elevated position, reaching the church from the town center involves a short uphill walk, but the surrounding views make the climb worthwhile.

When is the best time to visit?

Olivella has a Mediterranean climate, so spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for visiting, with mild temperatures and green surrounding hills. Summers in the region can get quite hot, which is worth factoring in when planning a walk through the town and a visit to the church.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the church in Olivella and to whom is it dedicated? The church is dedicated to two saints — Sant Pere (Saint Peter) and Sant Feliu (Saint Feliu) — giving it its full name, Sant Pere i Sant Feliu d'Olivella.

When was the current church building constructed? The present building was built between 1625 and 1671, as an expansion of an earlier church probably dating from the 15th century. The main altar was built between 1609 and 1619.

Does the church have side chapels? Yes, during the 17th-century expansion, chapels dedicated to the Rosary, Saint Isidore, and the Holy Christ were added.

What happened to the church in 1936? During the Spanish Civil War the church and its rectory were burned down, and the parish priest was killed. The facade and bell tower were later restored in 1991.