Terra de Comtes i Abats a Gombrèn Gombrèn
Land of Comtes and Abats offers you a lot of proposals to discover the cultural and natural heritage of Gombrèn, highlighting some of the most important medieval sites in the country. We suggest you take a trip to the origins of Catalonia, and experience first-hand the history of this territory and its extraordinary characters.
MONTGRONY SANCTUARY
Located between the cliffs of the Montgrony mountain range, the Montgrony Sanctuary is a place full of history and legends. This complex includes the church of Sant Pere, where worship has been held since the 9th century.
The church of Sant Pere, consecrated in 1138, was parish until the 17th century, when the functions were transferred to Gombrèn. It has a single nave with an apse and two apsidioles, decorated in the typical Lombard Romanesque style. The porch, on the south façade, was built shortly after. The building is located right above the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Montgrony.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montgrony is a center of Marian devotion, located on the Coma Ermada mountain. Documented for the first time in 1400, the image of the Virgen de la Leche stands out, a carving from the 13th century. Around the sanctuary, surrounded by legends, especially that of Count Arnau, is the inn building, built in the 18th century.
Mataplana Castle
The remains of Mataplana Castle and the chapel of San Juan de Mataplana are visible today, with the neighborhood of houses nearby, still to be fully excavated.
Known as casal in historical documents, it was the residence of the Mataplana barony. Hugo V of Mataplana stands out, troubadour and protector of Guillermo de Berguedà and Ramon Vidal de Besalú. In the 14th century, it was inhabited by Count Artau de Pallars, occasionally confused with Count Arnau, a local mythical figure.
The original structure with a circular tower was replaced by a rectangular building with a walled courtyard. From the door, you can see the rectangular tower, paintings and chambers to the left, and oven, mixer and warehouse to the right.
The chapel of San Juan de Mataplana has a narrow horseshoe-shaped apse.
With history since the 11th century, Mataplana Castle is a center of power and culture, with strong ties to troubadour literature and the history of Catalonia.
Count Arnau Museum
The Count Arnau Museum, located in the Gombrèn cultural center, offers a complete vision of the legendary character of Count Arnau and the Mataplana lineage. This museum explores archaeological, literary, mythological and historical aspects of Mataplana Castle, presenting a rich collection of pieces found during the castle's excavations.
Visitors can appreciate the construction evolution of the castle and its surroundings through models and drawings. Among the most notable pieces are the pewter diptych, a figure from an ivory chess game, and a seal from the papal bull, all of them dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Other visits and activities
They also offer a wide range of attractive activities for all audiences.
In Gombrèn, you can go up to the Montgrony Sanctuary from where you will enjoy spectacular views, visit the emblematic Mataplana castle, or visit the Count Arnau Museum.
