From Vilada to Sant Sadurní de Rotgers

During the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, there was a very high population concentration throughout the Catalan Pyrenees (and Pre-Pyrenees). Many fled to the mountains in search of security and refuge in the inland plains. This explains the large number of Romanesque chapels and churches scattered throughout the Pyrenees, partly to "mark" and confirm a Christian territory before the Muslim invasion, partly to also find the refuge in the faith in the face of an adverse situation.

Most of these churches functioned as parishes, with the intention of grouping the inhabitants of a certain area. It is for this reason that not only there are a large number of Romanesque churches in the Pyrenees (and Pre-Pyrenees), but also, the great majority of churches and monasteries in this area are, in fact, Romanesque. On this route you will see a magnificent Romanesque church - Sant Sadurní de Rotgers - located in a quite secluded place, but probably, a thousand years ago, it was surrounded by more homes nearby than it currently is. The route is not very long in route but the accumulated unevenness, especially to Sant Sadurní, is quite considerable.