Environment, activities and history
in St Joan de les Abadesses
A place with soul in the heart of Ripollès
Casa Maragall is located in Sant Joan de les Abadesses, a charming mountain village in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees. Surrounded by nature, history, and poetry, this corner of Ripollès is ideal for disconnecting, breathing fresh air, and reconnecting with the essentials.
From the house, you can explore trails, visit Romanesque gems, follow in the footsteps of the poet Joan Maragall, or simply let yourself be carried away by the slow pace of the surroundings.
History of the Maragall House
The house was built at the end of the 19th century as the summer residence of Joan Maragall and his family, one of the most illustrious on the Catalan cultural scene. For years, it was the summer retreat of the poet Joan Maragall, a key figure in modernism and Catalanist thought.
Here, surrounded by nature and silence, Maragall wrote some of his most intimate and important works, inspired by the landscapes of Ripollès, the Romanesque architecture of Sant Joan, and the spirit of the mountains. Among them are The Blind Cow, the poem of the Count Arnau and the Goig de la Verge de NúriaIt is said that the sacred silence of the valley and the murmur of the River Ter accompanied his thoughtful walks through the garden of the house.
Today, Casa Maragall preserves the essence of that era: high ceilings, original details and a serene atmosphere that invites calm and contemplation. Staying here is like living in a small fragment of the cultural history of Catalonia.
Nearby, there is a monolith located in the Font del Cuvilar, where the poem is sculpted The Blind Cow, a permanent tribute to the connection between Maragall, nature and the Ripollès landscape.
During his stay, Maragall was inspired by the landscapes, history, and legends of the area, leaving an indelible mark on Catalan culture.
The house invites its visitors to experience a piece of this history and immerse themselves in the atmosphere that inspired one of Catalonia's most important poets.
Municipal swimming pool, paddle tennis and tennis
The Municipal Swimming Pool of Sant Joan de les Abadesses is an ideal outdoor space to cool off during the summer months.
It is located 500 meters from the Apartments, on Avenida de la Plana, and is part of a complex of sports facilities that also includes paddle tennis and tennis courts.
It's a popular spot during the summer, with families, athletes, and visitors alike enjoying a peaceful swim surrounded by nature.
What to do in Sant Joan de les Abadesses
Walks with history
- Monastery of Sant JoanA Romanesque gem founded in the 9th century. Its cloister, doorway, and the altarpiece of the Holy of Holies are a must-see.
Old Bridge: This 14th-century Gothic bridge, the town's emblem, elegantly crosses the Ter and connects you to the railway route.
Center d'Interpretació del Mite del Comte ArnauDiscover the most famous legend of the Catalan Pyrenees and its relationship with the history of the town.
- Visit to the Ogassa mines: A unique experience to discover the mining past of the area. You can also visit the Ogassa Museum, where the living memory of this old mining town is preserved.
What to do in Ripollés
Around Sant Joan
- Ripoll (10 min): Cradle of Catalonia, with its majestic monasteries and the most important Romanesque portal in Europe.
Camprodon (15 min)A charming village with traditional shops and riverside walks. It's easily accessible by car or bike via the designated path that connects the two villages.
Núria Valley: Accessible by zipper from Ribes de Freser, it is ideal for families and lovers of the high mountains.
Olot and the Garrotxa volcanic area: Within 40 minutes, a unique landscape of contrasts.
Outdoor sports activities in Ripollès
In the middle of nature
Iron and Coal RouteIdeal for walking or cycling, this converted railway takes you to Ripoll, passing through forests, tunnels, and footbridges.
Excursions to Coll de Santigosa, Serra Cavallera or Taga: High mountain landscapes for all levels.
Bathing in the Ter RiverIn summer, many stretches of the river offer quiet areas where you can cool off.
Bike lane to Camprodon
Excursion to Taga (2,040 m)One of the most iconic mountains in the Ripollès region, with spectacular views. Departures are possible from Coll de Jou or from the village itself.
- Skiing in Vallter 2000Just an hour's drive away, the Vallter 2000 ski resort offers slopes for all levels, from beginners to experts, in a stunning natural setting in the eastern Pyrenees.
Culture, festivals and traditions
- Payesía Fair: An annual celebration that pays tribute to the town's rural roots, featuring local products, traditional crafts, and activities for the whole family.
Weekly market (Saturdays): Local products and a village atmosphere.
Count Arnau Festival: A summer cultural event featuring open-air theater performances, music, and legends that evoke the mythical figure associated with Saint John.
Christmas Holidays: A Christmas market, a live nativity scene, and concerts in historic venues fill the old town with light and warmth during the month of December.
Other festivities: Traditional celebrations such as Sant Antoni, Holy Week, and the Catalan National Day, with cultural and culinary offerings that engage the entire community.
Stable cultural programming: Exhibitions, talks, workshops, and family activities in venues such as the Casa de Cultura, the Palau de l'Abadia, and the old train station.
Living cultural environment: Sant Joan de les Abadesses is a town where culture and traditions remain alive and constantly evolving, offering visitors and residents an enriching experience.
Experience the poetry of the landscape
Sant Joan de les Abadesses is not just a destination: it's an experience that excites all five senses. Landscape, silence, history, and culture come together here to offer you an authentic and inspiring stay.
Live an unforgettable experience in Camprodon
Discover one of the most charming towns in the Catalan Pyrenees with Cims.
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