Paths as a Guide

Masarbonès can be explored through its buildings and paths. The Camí de Masarbonès follows the old path of Masarbonès and passes through the entire village centre to the Church of Sant Bartomeu, then descends to the Font de Santa Magdalena. Water can be drawn at the spring; check the conditions on site. In this way, the Camí connects the village centre with two specifically named stops and provides a clear framework for finding your way around the village.

Church and Architectural History

The Church of Sant Bartomeu de Masarbonès has a single-nave layout with a vault divided by transverse arches, as well as a polygonal apse. Its architecture also includes a bell gable with three openings. The church was built in the second half of the 18th century and has been documented since 1787. Its architectural features and dating provide concrete points of reference for understanding the village’s history.

Cal Martí and Its Hilltop Location

Cal Martí stands at an altitude of 286 m at the highest point of the hill on which Masarbonès is situated, overlooking the western slope. Medieval architectural elements have been preserved there. In contrast to the Church of Sant Bartomeu, whose construction dates to the second half of the 18th century, Cal Martí displays different historical traces. Its elevation also helps explain the village’s topography: Cal Martí is not just anywhere in the village, but at its highest point. Its location and architecture make it interesting from two distinct perspectives.

Village Layout and Landscape

Dry-stone walls and field huts shape the landscape of Masarbonès. Within the village, the cluster of houses retains its traditional layout; most of the houses are used as second homes. These details describe two different aspects of the village: the traditional form of the cluster of houses and the predominant use of the houses. Together with the dry-stone walls and field huts, they paint a picture that encompasses both the village centre and the landscape that defines it.

Cal Curt also adds to this picture of the built environment. Old facilities used for distilling Aguardiente have been preserved there. Alongside the church and the medieval architectural elements at Cal Martí, these historic facilities for processing a drink are another aspect of local heritage. The different buildings represent distinct functions: a religious building, architecture with medieval elements, and distilling facilities.

Festa Major and Paths to the Wells

From 2001 onwards, the amateur castellers of Masarbonès gathered at midday on the Saturday of the Festa Major in Plaça de l'Om. There, they would usually build castells up to five tiers high. This festive tradition was tied to a specific place, time and height of the towers. These details offer a vivid glimpse of the festivities at the time.

The historic Camí dels Pous is distinct from the Camí de Masarbonès. It led from the village to the wells and began on the road beside the Tet distilleries. Between the vineyards of Cal Curt, it continued to the Pou de Beure, the Pou de les Galletes and the washing place. Its destinations thus include two wells and a washing place. While the Camí de Masarbonès passes through the village centre to the church and the Font de Santa Magdalena, the historic Camí dels Pous leads to these wells and the washing place. Comparing the two helps distinguish between the similarly named paths and their different destinations.

For the wider travel overview: Masllorenç.