Sant Jaume De Frontanyà combines churches from different periods with hiking trails of various kinds. A loop in the municipal centre, a long-distance hike in four stages and distinctive buildings offer different focal points for your stay. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between a local circular walk, a longer route and visits focused on cultural history.
Hiking trails of different kinds
The PR-C51 is a 9.13-kilometre circular hiking trail in the centre of the municipality. The GR-241 crosses Sant Jaume De Frontanyà from southeast to northwest and passes through the town centre. This 59.46-kilometre circular route around the Catllaràs Massif is divided into four stages. Its route also passes through Borredà, Vilada, La Nou de Berguedà and Castell de l’Areny. Thus, the local loop is complemented by a multi-stage route covering a wider area.
Three livestock drovers’ routes are also designated for Sant Jaume De Frontanyà. These routes may also be used for walking and hiking, but livestock droving takes priority. This is an important feature to bear in mind when planning to use these paths.
Romanesque architecture and building history
The Església romànica de Sant Jaume de Frontanyà dates from the 11th century and is an example of Lombard Romanesque architecture in Catalonia. A twelve-sided ciborium tower stands at the crossing of the nave and transept and is considered unique in Catalonia. Its position in the church makes it a specific detail for visitors interested in culture to look out for.
The Església Vella de Sant Jaume de Frontanyà represents an earlier period in the town’s history: it was the municipality’s first parish church. Bishop Antigis of La Seu d’Urgell consecrated it in 905 in honour of the apostle Sant Jaume. The remains of the eastern wall survive; remains of an adjoining cemetery may also be present. Access is considered difficult and follows the Camí de Faig i Branca, shortly beyond the Collet de Creu Melosa.
Sant Esteve de Tubau offers a different architectural impression. The pre-Romanesque church has a single east-facing nave and a trapezoidal apse that is slightly offset from the main axis. In the town centre, the Font de la Mola is next to the church. It consists of a millstone, making it one of the town centre’s distinctive sites.
The Santuari de la Mare de Déu dels Oms was built in 1785 over a small Romanesque structure dating from the 13th century. The site thus brings together two building periods in a direct architectural relationship: the later building and its Romanesque predecessor.
Landscape of the Catllaràs
The steep cliff of Les Forques shapes the landscape around Sant Jaume De Frontanyà and reaches a height of 1,210 metres. West of the town centre lies the eastern slope of the Serra del Catllaràs, centred around Creu Melosa. These named landforms provide a geographical setting for the hiking trails without being identified with any single route.
The Serra del Catllaràs has diverse flora and fauna. Scots pine forests shape the landscape; at higher elevations there are also stands of black pine and beech forests with boxwood. The Serra is home to more than 30 orchid species and deer. The Riera del Molí drains the municipality’s central slopes and adds a specific reference to the water system to the landscape.
Festivals and dates to visit
The Aplec del Dilluns de Pasqua Florida takes place at the Santuari dels Oms. If you wish to plan your visit around this event, check the dates in advance. The Trobada de Santjaumesos was usually held on the first Saturday in September; the programme included a shared meal, a concert and dancing. Check the current dates for this festival too before planning your trip around it.
Discover more destinations: Mediona, Igualada, La Batllòria, Sant Joan De Vilatorrada, Gironella, Castellví De Rosanes, Matadepera, Gelida
For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.
