The Monestir de Sant Joan de les Abadesses, the Festa Major and routes along the Ter reveal different sides of Sant Joan de les Abadesses. Those looking to make their stay a cultural one will find several specific starting points here: from the monastery’s history and local festival traditions to architectural landmarks and natural attractions. You can shape your visit around your own interests without having to combine every theme into a single itinerary.

Monastery history and Romanesque art

The Monestir was founded in 885 as a Benedictine community of women and is considered the first convent for women founded in Catalonia. The present-day church was consecrated in 1150, and the monastery also has a Gothic cloister dating from the 15th century. These dates represent different historical layers: the early foundation, the consecration of the present-day church and the much later cloister.

Inside the church is the Santíssim Misteri, the only Romanesque Descent from the Cross in Catalonia preserved in situ. For those interested in culture, the Monestir brings together the history of a religious community and a specific work of art. If you are also interested in interpreting legends and in the Romanesque heritage of Ripollès, you can complement your visit with the offerings at the Palau de l'Abadia.

The Palau houses the Centre d'Interpretació del Mite del Comte Arnau and the permanent exhibition “Romànic, una volta pel Ripollès”, featuring scale models. The exhibition on Comte Arnau is divided into three themed sections: it starts with the folk song from which the legend emerged, explores its content and spread, and then traces the creation of Count Arnau as a myth and his cultural impact. The focus is therefore not only on the story itself, but also on how it was passed down and its legacy.

Festa Major and local cultural landmarks

The Ball dels Pabordes is designated as a festivity of national cultural interest. During the Festa Major, it is performed on Sunday and Monday in Plaça Major. Another tradition is the Diana Florejada, also called the Ball del pijama: the nighttime procession takes place in the early hours of Monday to Tuesday. Dancing continues afterwards, and breakfast with chocolate and churros is also offered. Details may vary from one edition to another. If you want to plan your trip around these festival traditions, check the dates of the relevant Festa Major in advance.

Another cultural landmark is El Palmàs, the house where the composer Jaume Nunó was born in 1824. In Parc de la Muralla, you can see a substantial section of the old town wall and the remains of one of its towers. At Pont Vell, you will find a different structure: the Gothic bridge crosses the Ter and runs parallel to the new bridge. Each of these places has its own character; they can be considered additions to the monastery theme without representing the same period or history.

Routes, wetlands and birdwatching

There are also several options for nature lovers. Parc de l'Estació, next to the Via Verda, is home to the La Ruta del Ferro visitor centre. You can get information about the routes there, and bicycle hire is also available. Check the current rental terms before your trip.

A path runs through a wetland on the Ter’s left bank and leads to an observation hide at Pantà de Cal Gat. From there, you can observe various bird species, especially during migration. This seasonal aspect makes the time of year a useful consideration when planning: if birdwatching is your main interest, you can plan your visit around the migration season.

A circular route passes through the municipality and visits four hermitages: Sant Antoni de Pàdua, Santa Llúcia de Puigmal, Sant Ponç d'Aulina and Santa Magdalena de Perella. Three of the four hermitages are Romanesque. This offers another way to explore the area’s Romanesque heritage, this time through several named destinations. Local trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

A local flavour

The Dolç del Comte Arnau is inspired by medieval cooking recipes. You can try it at the town’s bakeries and pastry shops; availability may vary locally. This culinary touch adds a local speciality to the cultural themes without requiring a dedicated outing.

Discover more destinations: Parlavà, Toses, Salionç, Campdorà, Darnius, Salt, Albanyà, Campllong.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.