In Sant Mateu de Bages, traces of different eras meet in a predominantly mountainous landscape. Next to the church of Sant Mateu are medieval tombs; elsewhere, chapels and an archaeological dolmen tell of earlier times. The Serra de Castelltallat, with its plateaus and valleys, adds a distinctive landscape feature. You can therefore plan your trip around historic sites or nature and stargazing.

Church, tombs and early history

The Església de Sant Mateu has been documented since 1078. The medieval necropolis Tombes Antropomòrfiques de Sant Mateu lies immediately beside it. It comprises four anthropomorphic tombs oriented from east to west. The church also contains a 14th-century Gothic sarcophagus that belonged to the priest Guillem Despuig. The church, tombs and sarcophagus show different forms of religious and funerary heritage in one place.

Another early historical trace is the Castell de Sant Mateu o de Les Planes, documented since 983. The Dolmen de Castelltallat offers a different archaeological perspective: it consists of the remains of a small megalith with a simple chamber, at a prominent point in the Serra de Torribalta. Check the dolmen’s condition and accessibility on site. Based on comparisons, it is dated from the Late Neolithic to the Middle Bronze Age, approximately 2500–1200 BC. This time span is an archaeological classification, not a precise date.

Romanesque chapels and the Coaner ensemble

The Ermita de Sant Miquel de les Planes is a 13th-century chapel. Its partially preserved early Romanesque structure includes the rectangular apse and the presbytery. The portal dates from the 15th century and has a round arch made of voussoirs. The Capella de Sant Martí de les Planes is located within the Les Planes estate. It is Romanesque and dates from the late 12th century or possibly the 13th century; it is listed as an archaeological site in the Catalan heritage catalogue.

The Conjunt Monumental de Coaner is a Lombard Romanesque ensemble comprising the church of Sant Julià, the former castle tower and the Can Serra farmhouse. It lies in a rocky landscape within the protected natural area of the Serra de Castelltallat. If you are interested in Romanesque architecture, comparing it with the chapels of Les Planes offers several examples: at Sant Miquel, the partially preserved early Romanesque structure and later portal; at Sant Martí, its Romanesque classification and possible dating as late as the 13th century.

Landscape, protected area and starry skies

Sant Mateu de Bages is predominantly mountainous and includes several plateaus, foothills and small valleys. The Salo, Coaner and Fonollosa streams drain this landscape. The Serra de Castelltallat crosses Sant Mateu de Bages and is included in both the Pla d'Espais d'Interès Natural and the Natura 2000 network. In Coaner, views of the monumental ensemble meet the rocky surroundings; the dolmen near the Serra de Torribalta is a distinct archaeological landmark.

For stargazing, the Observatori Astronòmic de Castelltallat is a special destination: it lies at an altitude of 910 metres, and low light pollution allows high-quality observations. The Museu de Sant Mateu is located on the ground floor of the Sant Mateu rectory. If you would rather focus your trip on the landscape and starry skies than on medieval buildings, you can take these interests into account when choosing your travel dates and accommodation.

Routes, getting there and dates

The De Súria a Coaner route offers direct contact with the rocks and geological processes that have shaped the history of Súria and Coaner. Among other places, it leads to Coaner’s medieval monumental ensemble. Check the latest route information before your trip. The BV-3003 provincial road runs through Sant Mateu, connecting the C-55 at Callús with the BV-3008 at the municipal boundary with Aguilar and Fonollosa. You should also check road conditions before setting off.

Caramelles are sung and danced throughout the municipality on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. The Festa Major de Sant Mateu de Bages is scheduled for the third Sunday in September. If you plan to stay overnight on one of these dates, check the programme for your travel year.

Discover more destinations: Castellar Del Riu, Fonollosa, Castellví De La Marca, Sant Adrià De Besòs, Calonge De Segarra, Vallcebre, Dosrius, La Torre De Claramunt.

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