Monestir de Sant Llorenç del Munt, Romanesque monastery on La Mola mountain in Matadepera, Spain.
Monestir de Sant Llorenç del Munt is a Romanesque monastery built at the summit of La Mola mountain near Matadepera from local red stone blocks. Inside it has three naves, a central transept topped with a domed structure, and windows that allow light to fill the interior spaces.
The monastery was founded in 1045 and consecrated in 1064 by the Bishop and local Counts of Barcelona, making it one of Catalonia's earliest Romanesque structures. Monks lived here until the 17th century, after which the site was abandoned.
The monastery was a major center of religious life in the region for centuries and helped shape early Catalan church architecture. People came here to pray and share spiritual life, making it an important gathering place for faith and community.
Reaching the monastery requires a mountain hike through the natural park, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The route passes through the park, and guided tours are available if you want to learn more about the site's history.
On clear days you can see the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees from the mountaintop, offering sweeping views that few visitors expect. This vast outlook likely influenced the monks' choice of this remote location.
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