프레미아 델 달트 최고의 사이클링 경로

마타로 입구를 알리는 상징적인 지점입니다. 지역 예술가 Josep Maria Rovira i Brull이 1998년에 만든 Laia l’Arquera는 34미터 높이로 도시의 상징으로 우뚝 서 있습니다. 활을 든 선사 시대 여성을 묘사하지만, 핵심적인 디테일이 있습니다. 바로 부리아크 성(Burriac castle)을 향하고 있어 현재와 이 지역의 이베리아 기원을 연결합니다. 단순한 장식적인 인물 이상으로, 작가는 이 조각상을 땅과 장소의 정체성에 묶인 일종의 여신으로 구상했습니다. 계속해서 달리기에 앞서 잠시 고개를 들어 올려볼 만한 좋은 지점입니다.

Beautiful wrought iron statue

For centuries it was the Sunday getaway of the surrounding villages, and it is said that, on foggy days, the bell tower served as a guide to orientate oneself among the paths of the mountain range. Old meetings and gatherings were held on the esplanade, and you can still see the space where people sat to have breakfast after the climb. The access is direct and sustained, and the arrival offers a clear view of the sea and mountains that explains why Sant Mateu has always been a point of passage and a mandatory stop.

In addition to the spout and the pond, it preserves the old paved landing where, according to the long-time residents, people who went up to the sanctuary stopped to have a drink and “gain strength”. For decades it was a meeting point for hikers and farmers, and it was said that if the spring flowed strongly, a good year of rain would come. The access is short and easy, and the clearing in the surrounding forest still maintains the cool and shady atmosphere of the routes of the past.

One of the many picturesque spots with a wonderful view (weather dependent).

About 300 meters before reaching the hermitage along the track from Òrrius, on the left, dry stone walls are preserved, the remains of a shelter used by Republican militiamen during the Civil War. It's not signposted, but it's visible if you get off your bike and explore a bit. The surroundings are very peaceful and steeped in history: the hermitage was also used as a temporary shelter.

It is a very simple Romanesque-style hermitage, with a single nave covered with a barrel vault, with a semicircular apse, which has a double-flow window. The nave is very short, which suggests that it was shortened during the restoration, We must highlight the arrangement of the belfry bell tower, perpendicular to the façade, for its originality. Next to the chapel is the hermit's house. In the 15th century it was known as San Mateo del Bosque and was property of the Priory of Sant Miquel del Fai. The chapel has been documented since the year 993. In a pastoral visit from 1498 it is recorded that it is in a ruinous state but it had to be restored shortly after since in the 16th century it had worship again. In the 16th century restoration, the nave had to be cut off, now quite short in relation to the apse, and with a very simple façade. On Saint Matthew's Day, its traditional pilgrimage is celebrated. From the hermitage you can enjoy good views of the Maresme, an area frequented by several hiking and mountain biking routes.

The church is not particularly pretty, but the whole area that runs parallel between the church and the road is. There are several terraces and some good shade to hide from the sun for a while.