If you don’t know what to do in Folgueroles, and you want to discover this municipality of Osona, from COOLTUR Cultural Tourism we recommend you to visit the Church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles!
Folgueroles is a municipality located between the Plana de Vic and the Natural Park of Guilleries – Savassona, in the region of Osona.
The municipality of Folgueroles covers an area of 10.5 square kilometres and is located 552 metres above sea level.
Within the municipality of Folgueroles you can find a large number of architectural elements from different periods. In addition, you can also find a large number of places of great natural beauty.
Church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles
The church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles is located in Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer Square, in the centre of the municipality of Folgueroles.
The earliest known record of this church dates back to 1060. Since its consecration, the church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles has been transformed. An atrium was added in the 13th century. During the 18th century, the current Baroque façade and the belfry were built.
The current church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles consists of a single nave. It seems that it originally had three apses, but two of these were demolished in the 17th century and replaced by the sacristy and a side chapel.
Of the original Romanesque building, the apse has been preserved. This apse is decorated with blind arches. It also has three double-hung windows.
Romanesque apse of the church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles (Photo: COOLTUR Cultural Tourism)
The current façade of the church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles was built in the 18th century. This façade is markedly Baroque in style. The entrance door is decorated with semicircular arches and archivolts supported by two columns. These columns have capitals decorated with floral and figurative motifs.
Three quadrangular windows can also be seen along the façade. These windows serve to illuminate the interior of the church.
The main façade ends with a large belfry bell tower. In addition, there are also five stone pinnacles decorating the highest part of the façade.
During the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), the church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles was looted. The entrance gate, some Gothic sarcophagi and a Baroque altarpiece were destroyed. Furthermore, during the war the church was used as a garage.
Once the Civil War was over, the church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles was restored and the religious activities of this building were restored.
(Cover image: Church of Santa Maria of Folgueroles Photo: COOLTUR Cultural Tourism)
How to get to Folgueroles
Folgueroles is a municipality located in the Plana de Vic. It can be reached via the Eix Transversal (C-25), which links Lleida with Girona.
Folgueroles can also be reached by public transport. We recommend you check the bus timetables before setting off on your journey.