A land of traditions and the origin of the legend of Comte Arnau. Stroll through the places that forged the myth of the count, enjoy a town replete with cultural and natural attractions and delight in its incomparable sunsets from a truly remarkable viewpoint.
The town is cited for the first time in documents dating from the late 9th century in reference to Montrgrony castle. Gombrèn is steeped in history. It is the site of our medieval past, from Wilfred the Hairy to the Count of Pallars. The titles, wealth and power accumulated at Mataplana Castle reached their height in the 13th and 14th centuries and it was the abuse of this power that led to the legend of Comte Arnau.
Because of his many sins, Comte Arnau was condemned to ride for all of eternity from 10 pm to midnight on a black horse with flaming nostrils, eyes and hooves accompanied by a pack of demonic dogs! There are people in El Ripollès who swear they have seen him on dark and stormy nights…
This 11th-century fortress was the seat of the Mataplanas, a noble family of warriors, troubadours and politicians who had a great impact on the history of Catalonia. It was also home to the terrible Comte Arnau. The heritage complex includes the church of Sant Joan de Mata plana, with a chapel from the 14th century.
The museum exhibits a wide variety of objects found in various digs of the castle, as well as drawings and models showing its evolution from the 11th to the 14th centuries. Learn all about the mythical count first hand!
This Marian devotion site is located in a buttress of the Coma Ermada mountain. Further up is the Romanesque church of Sant Pere de Montgrony, which dates back to the 11th century and offers extraordinary views of the Pedraforca mountain. Montrgrony is one of the best places in the area to watch a sunset. Don’t miss it!
Established in 1995, it was the first of its kind in Catalonia. Free admission every day from 1 May to 30 September. The garden actively promotes research into the properties and benefits of its 300 different plants. Guided tours are available on request. For further information email info@jardibotanic-gombren.cat or call 649 191 188.
This Baroque single-nave church with side chapels was built in the early 17th century. It contains two Baroque altarpieces of great beauty: the altarpiece of Saint Peter and the altarpiece of the Rosary. It was built over a 15th-century church dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.
“This impressive chasm, Saint Ou or Eudald’s Hole, is 74 metres deep and should only be explored by expert potholers! Comte Arnau is said to have used it to move around through the region… Legend has it that…
… Comte Arnau used this cave to travel with his horse to the caves of Ribes and the monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses, which he entered through the well in the cloister. The well has been covered over because the villagers were afraid the count would return! There is now a fountain in its place, so the town is safe!”
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