An architectural complex formed by the Sant Quirze Basilica, several monastic outbuildings arranged around the cloister’s courtyard, a defence tower and remains of an opening in the wall, the Santa Maria Church and the remains of the old hospital. The consecration of the church of the Benedictine monastery for St Quirze, St Andrew and St Benedict was in 935 on top of another pre-existing church. In the 13th century, its jurisdictional rights were consolidated and it also became a military target and was invaded by troops. From the 15th century onwards, it began to fall into decline and by 1690 it was in ruins. In 1835 the liberal General, Ramon de Nouvilas from Empordà bought the property and closed it as a place of worship. It was declared a National Monument in 1931, although it was still inhabited by its caretakers, who turned the church into a warehouse and stable until 1979, when several restoration and excavation campaigns also began.
The photograph taken in 1955 by Joaquim Fort shows how, in the 1950s, the Sant Quirze de Colera monastery was in ruins. It seems that the church only had part of its main structure. The rest of the outbuildings of the monastic complex were also in quite poor conditions. Specifically, some roofs were missing, having had collapsed. Part of the belfry however, and particularly the apse of the church were preserved. The image is part of the collections of the Empordà Museum in Figueres, specifically the Joaquim Fort de Ribot Collection.
Location
-
Monasterio de San Quirico de Colera, Ctra. Monasteri de Sant Quirze, s/n, Rabós, Provincia de Gerona 17754, España
Category
[bws_pdfprint display='pdf']
Add a review