The Church of Sant Pere in Besalú (Spain)

The Church of Sant Pere in Besalú (Spain).

The Church of Sant Pere in Besalú is a landmark deeply tied to the town’s medieval history. Originally founded in 977 as part of a Benedictine monastery, the church we see today was completed in the 12th century and stands as a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture. Situated in the heart of the old town, it features a single nave with a semicircular apse and a striking bell tower that dominates the skyline.

Sant Pere was once part of a thriving monastic complex that played a vital role in the spiritual and cultural life of the region. Its architectural simplicity is balanced by its precise craftsmanship, reflecting the aesthetic values of the Romanesque period. The church’s enduring presence makes it an important site for understanding the religious and artistic legacy of Besalú and Catalonia as a whole.

The interior of the Church of Sant Pere in Besalú (Spain).

The Church of Sant Vicenç in Besalú (Spain)

The Church of Sant Vicenç in Besalú.

The Church of Sant Vicenç in Besalú, dating to the 12th century with origins in 977, showcases Romanesque and transitional Gothic styles. Notable features include its three naves, intricate door carvings, and a Gothic tomb of Pere de Rovira, who brought Saint Vicenç’s relics in 1413. It also houses a reliquary of the True Cross, gifted in 1923.