Sant Salvador de les Espases Hermitage

Sant Salvador de les Espases is a chapel in the municipality of Esparreguera. It is located on an isolated escarpment, at the confluence of the bishoprics of Sant Feliu and Vic and the municipalities of Esparreguera, Olesa de Montserrat and Vacarisses. Documented from the fourteenth century, it was the old chapel of the Castle of Swords, documented since 985, and of which only the base of a circular tower remains. It is declared a cultural asset of national interest.

The hermitage of San Salvador de les Espases, declared a cultural asset of national interest, stands on top of a mountain, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the surroundings and of Montserrat. The old chapel of the Castillo de les Espases is mentioned in 1351 and is linked to the legend that explains that during the battle between Christians and Muslims, the latter wanted to conquer the land where the castle was located. Clearly outmatched, the Christians called on God for help, who sent a rain of flaming swords that forced the Saracens to retreat. In gratitude, the chapel dedicated to the Savior was built. Actually, the name comes from the rugged terrain where the castle stands, in the shape of a sword.
It has a single nave, a low vault and a quadrangular apse and currently has a Gothic appearance due to reforms in the 17th century. Over time, it has undergone some repairs, the last in 1989, when the altarpiece was restored.
Apart from the chapel, there is an open room with benches and tables, a dining room and a kitchen that are open to the public on Thursdays and Sundays and on the day of the Encounter, the first Sunday in September. Maintenance and upkeep tasks are the responsibility of the Friends of San Salvador de les Espases association. Since 1868, the hermitage has belonged to the Santa Maria de Olesa Parish, although, as a curiosity, it should be noted that it is located at the point of confluence of the municipalities of Olesa, Esparreguera and Vacarisses.

The hermitage of Sant Salvador de les Espases, declared a cultural asset of national interest, is erected on top of a hill, in an isolated espadat, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the surroundings and Montserrat. Former chapel of the Castle of Swords, it appears mentioned in 1351, and is linked to the legend that explains that during the battle between Christians and Muslims, the latter wanted to conquer the land where the castle was located. In clear inferiority, the Christians asked God for help, who sent a rain of fiery swords that forced the Saracens to retreat. In gratitude, the chapel dedicated to the Savior was erected. In reality, the name comes from the rugged terrain where the castle is located, in the shape of a sword.

It has a single nave, low vault and quadrangular apse and currently has a Gothic appearance due to reforms in the 17th century. Over time, it has undergone some repairs, the last in 1989, when the altarpiece was restored.

Apart from the chapel, there is an open room with benches and tables, a dining room and a kitchen that are open to the public on Thursdays and Sundays and on the day of the Gathering, the first Sunday in September. The maintenance and conservation tasks are in charge of the association Amics de Sant Salvador de les Espases. Since 1868, the chapel has belonged to the Parish of Santa Maria d'Olesa, although, as a curiosity, it should be noted that it is located at the point of confluence of the municipalities of Olesa, Esparreguera and Vacarisses.

The Castle of Swords

Documented in 985, it was built in a very strategic and impregnable location, isolated from the nearby ridges and quite high compared to the two streams that surround it. It acted as a border surveillance point for the Llobregat to ensure Christian rule, since the river was the border with Al-Andalus and the region suffered clashes with the Saracens. Currently, only the base of a circular tower remains as a vestige.