Sanctuary of Our Lady of Foix

The Sanctuary stands on the high, hilly site where Foix castle originally stood; the castle was first mentioned in writing in 984. It is a Romanesque building with a single nave and a barrel vault, and it was recently restored. Around the church you can still see ruins of the old castle, which was a strategic stronghold in medieval times. From the top of the hill there are spectacular views on both sides, with a panorama of the whole Penedès.

A little history

In 1263 the church was rebuilt because the chapel had become too small, and on 21 December 1330 it was consecrated by Friar Pere, a monk of Santes Creus and Bishop of Santa Justa in Sardinia, on behalf of the Bishop of Barcelona. In 1623 it was decided to enlarge it. Much later, after the damage it suffered in the Spanish Civil War, the building lay in ruins and its future was in doubt, until the townspeople, and later the Diputació de Barcelona (provincial council), began restoring it.

Next to the church are the remains of Foix castle, which belonged to Bernat Marcús in the 12th century. It later passed to the Bell-lloc, Tarragona and Cervelló families, until in 1388 the lords of Foix bought it from the king. Guerau de Peguera was the last Marquis of Foix, and the church had a crypt where he and all his family were buried.

Santa Maria de Foix, patron saint of the Penedès, was once the parish church. It has been altered many times over the centuries: of the original building, only the barrel vault and two transverse arches remain.

What to do

• Miravinya viewpoint. One of the 10 viewpoints on the Penedès Miravinya route, with wooden benches shaped like vine leaves.
• The Vitis game (Joc dels Vitis). Find the adventure board, scan the QR code and play “La Cova Miraculosa” (The Miraculous Cave) with the children. More information.
• Aplec de Foix (traditional gathering) on Easter Monday, the patron saint's feast day on 8 September and Midnight Mass at Christmas. Festivals and traditions.
• A little history. From the castle of 984 to the 1988 restoration, in the town's history.
• On foot. Route 9 (Torrelles – Santuari – Torrelles, 11.9 km) or route 2, from the Sanctuary to Les Dous. All routes.