Ermita de Santa Margarida de Sacot, Ermita de Santa Pau
Ermita de Santa Margarida de Sacot is a small Romanesque chapel located deep inside a volcanic crater in the Garrotxa region of Catalonia. The structure features a single nave with plain stone walls, small arched windows, and a simple layout characteristic of 12th-century Romanesque design.
The hermitage was originally built in the 12th century with Romanesque features but suffered severe damage from earthquakes in the 15th century. It was reconstructed in 1865, preserving some original elements like the apse while maintaining the simple style of the original design.
The hermitage is named after Saint Margaret, and locals connect it to a legend of her image being discovered within the volcanic crater itself. This story shaped the church into a pilgrimage site and remains central to how people understand and visit this place today.
Reaching the hermitage involves a steep 20-minute walk from the parking area through volcanic terrain and down into the crater depression. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and be prepared for uneven ground, as the path offers no shade and conditions can vary by season.
The original 14th-century statue of Saint Margaret was preserved during the Spanish Civil War and now rests in the Museum of Girona, while a copy remains in the chapel. This link between the humble hermitage and the protected religious artwork underscores the site's enduring importance to the region.
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