Visit the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes in El Port de la Selva
Majestically perched atop the Verdera mountain, it seems to watch over the bay of Llança like an immortal guardian. Its two solemn towers dominate the Cap de Creus, El Port de la Selva, and the Serra de Rodes. The Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes on the Costa Brava resembles a legendary castle straight out of an epic fantasy novel. Yet it is very real. Sant Pere de Rodes is a Benedictine monastery with predominantly Mozarabic and Romanesque styles, reached after a scenic winding road climbing to 520 meters above sea level. Its history spans centuries. The first written records of the monastery date back to 878. In the 10th century, the church was built, and the monastery became an independent abbey and a significant center of religious power and pilgrimage. Over the centuries, it was expanded, looted, renovated, and destroyed, surviving conflicts and epidemics. A magnificent painted Bible was kept here for a long time (now housed in the BNF in Paris). In the 19th century, the monastery was completely abandoned by the clergy. It was only in 1930 that it was declared a national monument and restored. Today, Sant Pere de Rodes is one of the major tourist attractions of the Costa Brava, both for its architecture and its breathtaking views over the coast. Particularly noteworthy are the 12th-century cloister at the center of the monastery, the Romanesque church from the 11th century, the square bell tower and the neighboring defense tower, as well as the pilgrim’s refuge located a little further away. It is open daily except Mondays from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours until around 8:00 PM in summer. Admission costs €6 or €4.50 at a reduced rate. An audio guide is provided, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Recently installed information panels offer a more comprehensive understanding of this exceptional site. It takes about two hours to fully immerse yourself in its atmosphere. Before leaving, visitors can hike to the ruins of the Sant Salvador de Verdera castle to the south. To the northwest of the monastery, it’s possible to climb to the Santa Helena menhir and the abandoned village of Santa Creu de Rodes, offering unparalleled views of El Port de la Selva.
Other Things to See and Do in El Port de la Selva
At the foot of the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery lies the village of El Port de la Selva, nestled in a small bay on the Costa Brava. Located at the entrance to the Cap de Creus National Park, several hiking trails lead towards the mountains or the park. This is an ideal spot for water sports like sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and kite surfing when the wind picks up. You can enjoy wandering through the narrow streets of El Port de la Selva or soaking up the sun on its beautiful sandy beach. On warm days, it’s delightful to sip a drink or enjoy some tapas at a café while watching the bustling activity in the port. The Gothic church of Santa Maria de les Neus is worth a visit, housing several statues from the monastery. In spring, the village hosts the Asparagus Festival, featuring cultural activities and tastings of local products. A visit to the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery and El Port de la Selva can be easily combined with trips to Cap de Creus, Cadaqués, and Salvador Dalí’s house. From our campsite in Spain on the Costa Brava, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to reach the monastery.