The hermitage of Santa Helena de Rodes, built in the 10th century, is an excellent example of the constant architectural evolutions of medieval constructions. For example, the bell tower was built on an old watchtower, and remains of a cemetery dating between the 8th and 9th centuries have been discovered. Originally it was composed of a single nave, to which two side naves were added later, as well as a bell tower on the façade.

The hermitage is located in a larger group of medieval civil buildings, which made up the small town of Santa Creu de Rodes (the name by which this small church is also known).

It originally belonged to the domain of the Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes, which is only one kilometer away. The successive attacks by pirates, the plague of 1345 or the emigration of the inhabitants of Santa Creu de Rodes to the conquest of Mallorca reduced its importance. And although in the 17th century an attempt was made to repopulate the nucleus, in the 19th century it was completely uninhabited, with the hermitage having already lost its status as a parish centuries ago.

Converted into an Asset of Cultural Interest and a Cultural Asset of National Interest, it has become, together with the nearby Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes, a tourist destination due to its historical interest and the privileged location it occupies, overlooking the bay of Port de la Selva. .

Translated by Google •

Marti Ferret

September 29, 2022

Church formerly known as Santa Cruz de Rodes, currently known as Church of Santa Helena. Located in the municipality of Port de la Selva, in Alto Ampurdán in the province of Gerona.
It is a Site of Cultural Interest since 1997

Translated by Google •

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Take Me There

Location: El Port De La Selva, Alt Emporda, Girona, Catalonia, Spain

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