Santa Margarida Volcano, Extinct volcano in Santa Pau, Spain.
The volcanic crater forms a nearly perfect circular depression measuring approximately 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) across with a flat floor surrounded by elevated rims of volcanic material. Vegetation covers the crater walls and floor, where grazing land and a Romanesque chapel are located.
Volcanic activity ceased about 11,000 years ago following several eruption phases that left tephra deposits across the surrounding area. During medieval times, the church was built inside the crater while the region became part of the Catalan counties and later saw agricultural development.
The church within the crater has drawn pilgrims since medieval times and serves the community as a spiritual site amid the volcanic landscape. Local traditions connect the volcano with religious festivals and regional customs that continue to this day.
Several marked hiking trails lead to the crater rim and offer different routes for exploring the geological formations. Access is free and the best visiting time is during spring or autumn when temperatures are comfortable and vegetation is at its fullest.
The structure within the crater is the only religious building of its kind inside a European volcanic crater. The church was constructed directly on the flat crater floor, making it a geologically and architecturally exceptional site.
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