Franciac offers several clearly distinct points of interest for a stay: the architectural history of the Església de Sant Mateu, connections to routes, and Pitch & Putt facilities. Fields and forests shape the area. This lets you focus your trip more on architecture, routes or a sporting activity, rather than treating these topics as one and the same excursion.

Sant Mateu: the former and present-day church

The former Romanesque Església de Sant Mateu de Franciac was consecrated in 1079. The present-day Església de Sant Mateu de Franciac was built in the 18th century; the years 1762 and 1773 are engraved on it. It is therefore important to distinguish between the consecration of the former church and the years engraved on the present-day church when placing them in their historical context.

A remnant of the former church is preserved in the north wall of the present-day Església. The broad bell tower has an octagonal upper section. Thus, a surviving trace of the earlier building and the shape of the present-day bell tower can be seen side by side; the engraved years add specific dates to these architectural features. Octagonal means that the upper part of the tower has eight sides, which makes it easier to picture the shape of the bell tower.

Routes with different connections

The Ruta de les Ermites includes Franciac and the Església de Sant Mateu de Franciac. The Camí de Sant Jaume also has a route connection in Franciac. If you choose routes based on their connection to the area, the Ruta de les Ermites offers a connection to Franciac and Sant Mateu; the Camí is connected to the area through its route. These are two different points of reference for your planning, not necessarily one shared route.

If you plan to take one of the routes, check the current route conditions beforehand.

Landscape and Pitch & Putt

Fields and forests shape Franciac’s rural landscape. This rural aspect complements the architectural history of Sant Mateu and offers another perspective when choosing what interests you on your trip. You can weigh architecture, routes and landscape individually or consider several of them together.

Pitch & Putt Franciac has a practice area, a putting green and an approach area. Equipment required for Pitch and Putt is also available to rent. This adds a distinct sporting focus alongside architecture and routes. If you plan to rent equipment, check its current availability beforehand.

Festa Major in September

Franciac’s Festa Major takes place on the third weekend in September and is a recurring local tradition. The date may be a factor when choosing when to travel. If you plan to visit during this period, check that year’s programme beforehand.

For the wider travel overview: Caldes De Malavella.