Santa Maria de Cardet

#106 among destinations in Spain

Church, Unesco

Gallery (7)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Enfo / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Gustau Erill i Pinyot / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Enfo / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Reinhardhauke / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Gustau Erill i Pinyot / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Gustau Erill i Pinyot / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Reinhardhauke / URL

Facts and practical information

Santa Maria de Cardet stands as a beacon of historical and architectural significance in the Vall de Boí, a valley in the Pyrenees of northern Spain. This Romanesque church, part of the Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of medieval Catalonia.

Nestled within the picturesque landscape, the church of Santa Maria de Cardet is distinguished by its Lombard Romanesque style, characterized by its slender bell tower, decorated with blind arches and Lombard bands, which punctuates the skyline. The structure's humble proportions and the simplicity of its stone façades belie the richness of its interior frescoes, which, though many are now housed in the National Art Museum of Catalonia, still convey the artistry and devotion of the craftsmen who created them.

The church's origins trace back to the 11th and 12th centuries, a period that saw a flourishing of religious architecture in the region. It served not only as a place of worship but also as a social and cultural hub for the surrounding community. Today, Santa Maria de Cardet continues to be an active parish church, while also attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its historical significance and serene beauty.

Visitors to Santa Maria de Cardet can expect to be transported back in time as they explore the church's nave, apse, and sacristy, each telling a story of the religious heritage of the valley. The integration of the building into the landscape, with commanding views over the Cardet village and the Boí River, makes a visit to this church as much a nature retreat as a cultural excursion.

Local name: Iglesia de Santa María de Cardet Unesco: from 2000Architectural style: Romanesque architectureCoordinates: 42°29'52"N, 0°47'10"E

Location

CataloniaSpain

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Day trips

Santa Maria de Cardet – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Sant Climent, Sant Joan de Boí, Sant Feliu de Barruera, Santa Maria de Taüll.

3.5 miNE
, Specialty museum, Museum
Sant Climent, Taüll
90 min walk • Nestled in the picturesque village of Taüll in the Spanish Pyrenees, the Church of Sant Climent is a hidden gem that beckons travelers with its rich history and stunning Romanesque architecture. This 12th-century church is not only a tranquil place of worship but also...
3 miNE
Church,
Sant Joan de Boí
76 min walk • Nestled in the scenic valleys of Catalonia, Spain, the Church of Sant Joan de Boí stands as a testament to the religious and architectural heritage of the region. A jewel of the Catalan Romanesque style, this modest yet striking church forms part of the Boí Valley's...
0.9 miNE
Romanesque architecture, Church,
Sant Feliu de Barruera, Vall de Boí
24 min walk • Sant Feliu de Barruera is a roman church situated in the territory of Vall de Boí, a commune in the valley with the same name and Comarca of Alta Ribagorça in the north of Province of Lleida and the autonomous communities of Catalonia in Spain.
3.4 miNE
Church, Romanesque architecture
Santa Maria de Taüll, Taüll
86 min walk • Santa Maria de Taüll is a Romanesque church situated in the territory of Vall de Boí, a commune in the valley with the same name and Comarca of Alta Ribagorça in the north of Province of Lleida and the autonomous communities of Catalonia in Spain.
2.7 miNE
Church,
Santa Eulàlia d'Erill la Vall
70 min walk • Nestled in the picturesque Vall de Boí in the Spanish Pyrenees, the Church of Santa Eulàlia d'Erill la Vall stands as a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture and religious heritage. This historic church, dating back to the 12th century, is part of the UNESCO...
1.8 miE
Church,
La Nativitat de Durro
45 min walk • Nestled in the Pyrenean village of Durro, Spain, one finds the Romanesque gem known as La Nativitat de Durro. This remarkable church, dating back to the 11th century, serves as a testament to the architectural and religious heritage of the region.
1.3 miE
Church,
Sant Quirc de Durro
34 min walk • Nestled in the picturesque Pyrenean landscape of the Vall de Boí, Spain, Sant Quirc de Durro is a gem of Romanesque architecture that quietly asserts its historical significance. This modest yet captivating church is a testament to the religious and cultural vitality...
1.9 miS
Church,
Santa Maria Church
49 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Spain, the Santa Maria Church stands as an architectural gem and a beacon of historical significance. This sacred edifice, with its origins dating back to centuries past, has been a place of worship and a custodian of local heritage.
3.9 miW
Bridge
Old Bridge of Vilaller, Vilaller
99 min walk • The Old Bridge of Vilaller is an ancient bridge on the river Noguera Ribagorçana, currently in ruins. It is protected as a Bé Cultural d'Interès Local.
1 miNE
Romanesque architecture, Church,
Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí, Vall de Boí
26 min walk • The Churches of the Vall de Boí are a set of nine Early Romanesque churches declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO and located in the Vall de Boí, in the Catalan comarca of Alta Ribagorça.
7.5 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Pic de la Pala Alta de Sarradé, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
192 min walk • Pic de la Pala Alta de Sarradé is a mountain of the Pyrenees, Catalonia, Spain. Located in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, it has an elevation of 2,983 metres above sea level.