Things to see
The main town of Ripollès is Ripoll, a largely industrial town, with significant local landmarks. Firstly, the Romanesque monastery of Santa Maria, which dates from the year 879, when it was founded by Wilfred the Hairy. For two centuries, it was an important European centre for the production and copying of manuscripts, and it became particularly famed for two miniature Bibles produced there. The Scriptorium is a short walk from Santa Maria and offers an interactive exhibition allowing visitors to try out the art of writing as it was done 1,000 years ago. Back at the monastery, the key features include a 12th-century portal, known as the ‘Stone Bible’, the tomb of Wilfred the Hairy, and the cloister, parts of which are over 800 years old. Not all of today’s monastery is original, however, following serious damage done to it in 1835, but a serious restoration project that took place later in the 19th century means a visit there is still worthwhile. Another attraction in the town is the Farga Palau, meaning Forge Palace, which celebrates the Catalan forge used in the development of iron-working in the 17th and 18th centuries, with items such as nails, firearms and railings being made there.
Latest Comments