Els Monjos brings together several distinct themes: republican aviation during the Spanish Civil War, a medieval grain mill, church architecture and the Festa Major dels Monjos. When choosing your destination, it is therefore helpful to consider which of these themes matters most to you. CIARGA presents history from 1936 to 1939; El Molino del Foix offers a look at the former use of river water and also includes a botanical garden with native species. The parish church of dels Monjos is distinguished by its three naves, semicircular apse and several Neo-Gothic details. The annual festival offers an additional reason to visit, although its July date may vary.
CIARGA and the history of aviation
CIARGA is a museum dedicated to aviation and the Civil War in Santa Margarida i els Monjos. Its Serral site is located on the republican airfield of dels Monjos. The centre focuses on the history of republican aviation during the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939 and shows how it developed over the course of the war. It also features local material about the airfield at Els Monjos, which was used by republican squadrons. This brings together two aspects: the history of aviation during the Civil War and the use of this particular airfield. The years 1936 to 1939 provide a clear timeframe for the historical subject; the connection to the squadrons anchors it in the history of the local area. For choosing what to explore, this shift between the broader development and the local connection is what makes CIARGA’s focus distinctive.
El Molino del Foix: mill and botanical garden
El Molino del Foix is a medieval grain mill in the centre of Els Monjos. It used the water of the Foix River to grind grain and produce flour. The historical process can be understood as a link between resource and product: water powered the mill, grain was ground and flour was produced. El Molino del Foix also includes a botanical garden with native species. Two different themes therefore come together at this site: the former use of water and grain, and the plant species native to the area. The mill focuses on a historical production process, while the garden adds a botanical dimension. Those interested in technology and nature will find different ways to engage with the site, without conflating its two distinct focuses.
Architectural features of the parish church
The parish church of dels Monjos has three naves and a semicircular apse. The three naves divide the church interior; the apse forms a rounded end. The portal features a Tudor arch and a rose window. A row of Neo-Gothic pointed arches runs across the upper section. The architecture can therefore be described in terms of both its spatial layout and its individual forms: rounded shapes, the portal design, the rose window and pointed arches sit alongside the three-part division of the church interior. For a culture-focused visit, this offers a different emphasis from CIARGA: the focus is on the church interior and specific architectural forms rather than aviation history.
Festa Major dels Monjos
The Festa Major dels Monjos takes place every year around 20 July in honour of Saint Margarida. The exact festival dates may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the date for that year against your plans before finalising your travel dates. The recurring event is linked to the veneration of Saint Margarida; the date around 20 July gives an approximate timeframe, not a fixed date.
Discover more destinations: Santa Perpetua De Moguda, Viladecans, Centelles, El Papiol, Argentona, Bellavista, Mediona, Can CartrĂł
For the main travel overview: Barcelona.
