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The abbey of Sant Miquel del Fai is an antique beautiful Benedict monastery close to the town Riells in the Catalan region of Valles Oriental, 50km away from Barcelona. The exact date of its foundation is unknown, but a community of monks was already settled down in 1006. It was funded by Gombau de Besura, the owner of – among other properties - the Montbui Castle in Caldes, in Catalonia.

Despite being a small monastery, during the centuries it left a mark in the history of Catalunya. Other museums in Barcelona conserve several unique and important historical remnants from the Roman era, deriving from the monks living in the monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai. Indeed, the monastery contains the only Romanesque chapel in Catalonia!

This all can sound avarage to the visitor of Catalonia who might have already seen several monasteries from that antique era. So what is so special in this church?

The interesting thing is the fact that it was built in a cave, serving a roof by its own! It is the largest troglodyte church in the country. It has a Romanic portal formed by a semicircular arch. It has a small crypt and there is an access to it through the staircase near the entrance. On the floor of the church there are visible gravestones of former abbots. In the side chapels, there are two graves, practically disappeared.

The old priory house has Gothic style and was built in the fifteenth century. For many years, it functioned as a hostel but it managed to retain its original layout.

The natural environment of the monastery is also special. It is located in a well preserved natural environment framed by the rocky cliffs of Cingles de Berti, in the pre-costal mountain range of the Cordillera Prelitoral Catalana. The river Tenes has shaped limestone formations, a large waterfall and several caves make up the highlight of the place.

The sight is unique! Do not miss it if you visit Catalunya!

You can get there by public transport, with the Bus Saglés from the Estacio del Nord in Barcelona.

You can find more information on the following website: www.santmiqueldelfai.net .