Santa Maria de Montnegre

Santa Maria de Montnegre is a small rural chapel tucked into the wooded, hilly territory of Sant Celoni, in the Vallès Oriental region of Barcelona province, Catalonia. It sits within the historic Montnegre district, close to the summit of the Montnegre massif, surrounded by oak and chestnut trees — a setting that is itself one of the main reasons to make the trip.

What's the history behind the chapel?

The building dates back to the 18th century and served for a long time as a place of worship for the scattered farmhouses of the Montnegre massif. The Spanish Civil War left it badly damaged, with only three walls still standing after the fighting, and it remained abandoned from 1936 onward for decades. It wasn't until 2009 that local residents took the initiative to restore the chapel, bringing back its role as a place of prayer and a landmark along the massif's trails.

How do you get to Santa Maria de Montnegre?

The chapel sits deep inside the Montnegre massif, within the municipality of Sant Celoni, so reaching it means walking in through the forest rather than driving up to the door. A popular way in is the GR-5 trail (marked with white and red signs), which winds through the woods toward the church of Sant Martí de Montnegre, passing along the way the small spring known as El Degotall and the Can Preses farmhouse. This is a route for people who enjoy walking in nature — sturdy footwear and enough time are worth planning for, since crossing the massif is a proper hike rather than a short stroll.

What will you see once you're there?

The chapel itself is modest — a typical rural mountain church without elaborate decoration — but its setting is what stands out. The oak and chestnut trees around the building provide shade and give the spot a calm, almost secluded feel, tucked away from everyday life. For many visitors, it's exactly this combination of simple architecture and dense Montnegre forest that makes the visit worthwhile: a natural stopping point on a longer hike, a shaded resting spot, and a vantage point over the surrounding hills.

Who is this place for?

Santa Maria de Montnegre is best suited to people planning a hike through the Montnegre massif, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a quieter, less obvious destination away from Catalonia's more crowded tourist routes. There's no built-up visitor infrastructure here — its appeal lies precisely in its simplicity and remoteness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive up to Santa Maria de Montnegre? Not directly — the chapel lies deep in the Montnegre massif and is reached on foot, including via the GR-5 trail through the forest.

When was the chapel built? The building dates from the 18th century, though its current form is the result of a 2009 restoration following damage from the Spanish Civil War.

What else is near the chapel? Along the route toward the church of Sant Martí de Montnegre, you'll pass the El Degotall spring and the Can Preses farmhouse.

Can this visit be combined with another nearby sight? Yes — the GR-5 trail connects Santa Maria de Montnegre with the church of Sant Martí de Montnegre, making it easy to plan a longer hike across the massif in a single outing.