Ermita de Sant Elm, Baroque hermitage church in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain
The Ermita de Sant Elm is a Baroque chapel perched on the summit of Sant Elm mountain, displaying classic architectural features with stone walls and multiple windows. The building commands views of the coastline and surrounding town from its elevated position.
An original chapel was built here in 1474 but was destroyed in 1695 during the wars between France and Spain. The current Baroque structure was rebuilt in 1723 as its replacement.
The hermitage remains a living place of worship where locals gather regularly, especially during the annual festival honoring Sant Elm and the Virgin of Carmen. This small church continues to serve as a spiritual center for the community, drawing visitors who value both its religious role and local significance.
The path to the chapel follows marked trails uphill and requires sure footing and moderate physical effort. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when heat is less intense and the walk is more manageable.
From this mountaintop, a renowned journalist coined the name Costa Brava for the coastline in 1908, a designation that would define the entire region for generations. A monument from 1963 marks this moment and its lasting influence on how the area became known.
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