The monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes stands imposingly tall at an altitude of 520 m in the Sierra de Rodes -a mountain range north of the Alt Empordà- and on the seafront. From this point, the views of the bay of Port de la Selva and north of Cap de Creus are spectacular.
In Romanesque architectural style and built on terraces to adapt to the terrain, the Benedictine monastery is a a monumental complex in a truly enviable and amazing location. To get there from the car park, you have to walk along a stone path where you can start to enjoy the breathtaking views of the coast.
The monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes is over thousand years old and was, in its day, the most powerful monastery in the county of Empúries thanks to the donations of nobles and pilgrims, who came to the monastery attracted by the relics kept there. They were said to be truly exceptional: starting with the skull and right arm of Sant Pere (hence the name of the monastery), sand from the Colosseum in Rome, fingers, teeth, stones, even said to keep a bottle of Christ's blood.
Its foundation has been the subject of speculations and legends. Some say it was founded by monks who landed in the area with the relics of Sant Pere and other Saints in order to take them to Sant Pere de Rodes for safekeeping. The first reference to the monastery dates from the year 878 as a monastic cell dedicated to Sant Pere, and it is not until the year 945 that mention is made of the existance of an independent Benedictine monastery, ruled by an abbot. Linked to the county of Empúries, it reached its maximum splendor between the 11th and 12th centuries. In 1930 it was declared a national monument and in 1935 the Generalitat de Catalunya began the first restorations.
Photo: https://festivalsantpere.com/
But there is much more to Sant Pere de Rodes than just history! Every summer, it becomes the unique setting of the Sant Pere de Rodes music festival. Guided tours of the monastery are organised throughout the year but it can also be visited for free and without a guide. Also, an original way to visit the Monastery is through guided tours that end with a small aperitif in the Monastery's restaurant. There you will fins a wide range of dishes prepared with seasonal and local products.
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