Holiday apartment in Gombrèn: nature, Montgrony and living history

Gombrèn combines a striking mountain landscape with traces of history, faith and regional craft culture. The Serra de Montgrony, the Jardí botànic, the stories surrounding Comte Arnau and the historic sites of Mataplana offer different themes for a stay. The range thus extends from peaks and a section of flowing water to churches, castles, a chapel and the town's former craft traditions.

Mountain landscape and plant life around Gombrèn

The Serra de Montgrony extends across municipalities in Berguedà and Ripollès, including Gombrèn in Ripollès. The peaks in the vicinity of Gombrèn include la Covil and Costa Pubilla. Pla de la Serra and l'Emperadora are peaks in the area around the town.

A distinctive feature is the Jardí botànic. The medicinal plant garden contains around 250 plants, most of which originate from Gombrèn. The Gorg dels Banyuls shows another side of the surroundings: it is a section of flowing water on the Riera de Garfull and is linked to the legend of Comte Arnau. The garden focuses on botany, while at Gorg dels Banyuls the watercourse and legend belong together.

History in Mataplana and Gombrèn

Several specific cultural and historical references can be found around Mataplana. The Castell de Mataplana is closely connected with the traditions that shaped and passed down the myth of Comte Arnau. Archaeological excavations in Mataplana uncovered Castell de Mataplana and an adjoining settlement where the lords' servants lived. The Mataplana heritage complex also includes Sant Joan de Mataplana, a chapel from the 14th century.

In the town itself, the Carrers dels Porxos recall the former processing of wool and production of blankets in Gombrèn. In the immediate surroundings of Gombrèn there is also Sant Quintí de Puig-rodon, a shrine. In the wider regional surroundings of Gombrèn are Pedra Dreta, an ancient site, as well as Castell de Montesquiu, a castle, and Castell de Milany, a castle ruin.

A specific hiking route from Gombrèn up to Santuari de Montgrony

Route Stage 2 of La Volta a Peu al Ripollès leads from Gombrèn along the old path up to Santuari de Montgrony and the Romanesque church of Sant Pere de Montgrony. The Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Montgrony is an important centre of Marian devotion at the foot of Coma Ermada. Sant Pere de Montgrony is a church consecrated in 1138 that served as a parish church until the 17th century. The route therefore combines a clear hiking trail with two religious destinations and different historical references.

Discover other places in the region

Also, Campdorà, Aiguaviva, Maçanet De La Selva, Cistella, Vilanova de la Muga, Salionç, Garriguella and Torrent offer further points of interest for exploring the region.

To the main travel overview: Girona.