Canònica de Santa Maria de Vilabertran Vilabertran

Considered Cultural Heritage of National Interest by the Government of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Santa María de Vilabertran is, without a doubt, one of the best well-preserved examples of the architecture of medieval regular canonical houses in Catalonia.

The nucleus of the abbey is organized around the cloister, where the monastic rooms and the 12th century church are located, with typically Romanesque elements. In this church you can see the recently restored Cruz de Vilabertran on display. The Abbot's Palace, located outside the main nucleus, is still in the process of being restored.

The abbey was built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries by Abbot Rigau, with the help of three noble families from the village. The three-nave church, with an elegant Llombart bell tower, and the cloister, which perfectly preserves the layout of the different monastic rooms, are the main elements of the monument, creating a harmonious ensemble of austere beauty.

The Cruz de Vilabertran is the largest silverware processional cross in Catalonia. It is made of gilded silver with a wooden core and is inlaid with semi-precious stones from the Romanesque era with pagan iconography. The cross is exposed in the church, in its original location.

Visiting hours:

From September 1 to June 30

• From Thursday to Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Sundays and holidays: from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Easter hours

• Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Friday, Sunday and Monday: from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

July and August

• From Tuesday to Sunday: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Closed on non-holiday Mondays, December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 6.

*The ticket office and entrance close 30 minutes before the time limit.