Santa Maria De Merlès – Nature, Trails and History

Santa Maria de Merlès is one of the three municipalities along the PR C-44. The hiking trail from Prats de Lluçanès forms a figure-eight loop through Prats de Lluçanès, Lluçà and Santa Maria de Merlès.

Nature and trails

The Riera de Merlès natural area was included in the PEIN by Decree 328/1992. Its first designation as an SCI took place in 1997. On 5 September 2006, it was expanded within Catalonia’s Natura 2000 network by Government Resolution 112/2006.

There are numerous water-filled pools along the Riera de Merlès. In summer, these pools are used for swimming and leisure activities. The easy Passejada al voltant de la Riera de Merlès route passes through a unique and sensitive natural area of Lluçanès. This route focuses on the water and the biodiversity of the Riera de Merlès.

Getting there

A car is essential for reaching Santa Maria de Merlès. It is also necessary for getting around the surrounding area, as there is no public transport.

History

On the western bank of the Riera de Merlès, the Molí d'Escrigues mill stands on a large rocky area near the Escrigues farmhouse. Molí d'Escrigues has been documented since the 17th century and was rebuilt in 1763.

The Pont Gòtic de Merlès is a Gothic bridge dating from the 14th or 15th century. It is located about 500 metres east of the centre of Santa Maria de Merlès, is 34 metres long and consists of three semicircular arches.

Sant Martí de Merlès has been documented since 976. In 988, the place was referred to as „domus Sancti Martini“. Parish functions are documented there between 1025 and 1050. The single-nave church has a barrel vault. It retains the rectangular shape and original orientation of its Romanesque construction.

Sant Pau de Pinós soon acquired parish functions. The place of Pinós is documented in the consecration record of Santa Maria de Merlès from 893. Sant Pau de Pinós preserves part of the original nave and a semicircular apse with a window featuring deeply splayed reveals.

You can access further places via these links: Castellbisbal, Pruit, La Pobla De Lillet, Vilanova I La Geltrú, Garraf, Sant Marçal, Vilobí Del Penedès and Matadepera.

Local life

On the 15th, a festive Mass is part of the programme of the Festa Major of Santa Maria de Merlès. Depending on the programme for the year, there may also be a traditional dance, concerts, children’s and leisure activities, as well as exhibitions. For a stay in Santa Maria de Merlès, you can search for a holiday apartment; the length of your stay is entirely up to you.

To the higher-level travel overview: Barcelona.