Sant Salvador de Puig-alder

Sant Salvador de Puig-alder is a small hilltop chapel overlooking the Cogolls stream valley, in the municipality of les Planes d'Hostoles in the Garrotxa region. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it is one of the last surviving traces of the medieval castle of Puig-alder, for which it originally served as the chapel.

What is the history behind this place?

The chapel dedicated to the Holy Saviour already existed in 1184, as confirmed by a surviving will from that year that mentions the site. From its earliest days, the church was closely tied to the defensive stronghold built on the same hill: once the castle of Puig-alder lost its military role and fell into ruin, the chapel remained as the only clearly legible part of the original complex.

During restoration work in 1984, a carved figure of the Virgin and Child in a style typical of the 12th century was discovered within the walls. The sculpture was named Mare del Salvador (Mother of the Saviour) and is now on display at the Girona Art Museum.

What does the building look like?

Sant Salvador de Puig-alder is a modest single-nave church with a semicircular apse facing southeast. The entrance is a rounded arch sheltered by a broad porch resting on wooden beams — a feature typical of rural chapels in the region, added later than the main body of the building. The structure seen today reflects successive alterations carried out over the centuries, so its architecture blends elements from different periods rather than presenting a single unified style.

How do you get there?

The chapel sits at the top of the hill that shares its name, above the valley of the Cogolls stream, within the municipality of les Planes d'Hostoles. Access is on foot along a hiking trail — it's a well-known stop on walking routes through the Garrotxa, often combined with a visit to the nearby gorgs (natural pools) on the Brugent river and the ruins of Hostoles castle. Because the site sits on high ground, sturdy walking shoes and enough time for the climb are worth planning for.

What will you see on site?

Beyond the building itself, the viewpoint by the chapel offers views over the Cogolls valley and the surrounding hills of the Garrotxa. The site retains the isolated, contemplative atmosphere typical of medieval hermitages and castle chapels, even though the original castle itself has left almost nothing visible to today's visitor.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to come, when temperatures in the Garrotxa are mild and the hiking trails aren't baking under the summer sun. Summers can get hot, especially on the exposed stretches of the approach, and in winter it's worth checking trail conditions, since the terrain is hilly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sant Salvador de Puig-alder a parish church? No — it is a small chapel historically linked to the castle of Puig-alder, built as a defensive stronghold's church rather than a parish building.

Can you still see the castle of Puig-alder? Little remains of the castle beyond a few faint traces in the terrain — the chapel of Sant Salvador is the best-preserved part of the whole complex.

Where is the Mare del Salvador figure kept? The 12th-century figure found in 1984 is now held at the Girona Art Museum, not at the chapel itself.

Is the walk up to the chapel difficult? The route climbs uphill and calls for a reasonable level of fitness for a mountain hike, but it doesn't require any specialized equipment.