Santa Maria de Siurana reopens with 100 Daily Visitors and access to the bell tower in Priorat

The Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Siurana reopens to the public after an adaptation that allows visitors to climb the bell tower and enjoy the views. Every day, around one hundred visitors, mostly French and British enjoying the Costa Daurada, come to discover this historic treasure of the Priorat region.

Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, this Romanesque gem stands out not only for its architecture but also for its cultural and spiritual importance in the area.

Reopening and operation of the church

What does the reopening of the Siurana church involve?

The reopening allows visitors to enter the temple and climb the bell tower, a novelty that offers a unique perspective of the natural surroundings and the village. The opening hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the initiative is planned as a pilot test for the summer.

How does the reopening affect residents and visitors?

For residents, this new tourist activity can provide an economic and cultural boost. Visitors take the opportunity to travel inland from the Costa Daurada, combining beach and heritage, which expands the tourist reach of the Priorat.

History and heritage of Santa Maria de Siurana

What is the historical importance of the church?

The temple is first documented in a papal bull from 1154 and was a strategic point at the time, precisely when Siurana was one of the last Islamic bastions in Catalonia. Architecturally, the tympanum of the main door and the capitals stand out as key Romanesque elements.

What traditions and cultural elements does it preserve?

Inside is preserved the Virgin of Siurana, formerly known as the Virgin of the Water, related to prayers for rain and good harvests. On May 9th, a procession is held to keep this agricultural and religious tradition alive.

Experiences and perspectives of the seminarians

What experience do the seminarians managing the church have?

Fortunats Batuzayaco, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Dominique are responsible for opening the door every day. Fortunats highlights the antiquity and heritage value of the temple, very different from the young religious heritage he knows in Africa.

What interest do visitors show according to the seminarians?

Tourists are interested both in the history and art of the monument and in its spiritual aspect, which adds a deeper dimension to the visit to this emblematic space of the Priorat.

Source of the article: Arnau Martínez / Catalan News Agency