Sant Joan de les Abadesses facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sant Joan de les Abadesses
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Municipality
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Map showing location within Ripollès
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 Sant Joan de les Abadesses
Location in Province of Girona
Sant Joan de les Abadesses
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
| Community |  Catalonia |
| Province | Girona |
| Comarca | Ripollès |
| Area | |
| • Total | 53.7 km2 (20.7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 773 m (2,536 ft) |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 3,224 |
| • Density | 60.04/km2 (155.50/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Santjoaní, santjoanina |
| Postal code |
17860
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Sant Joan de les Abadesses is a charming town and municipality in Catalonia, Spain. It's located in the Ripollès area, within the Province of Girona. This town has a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings.
Contents
Exploring Sant Joan's Geography and Climate
Sant Joan de les Abadesses is nestled in a valley along the upper part of the River Ter. Mountains surround the town, with the Serra Cavallera to the north and Sant Antoni mountain to the south.
Understanding the Local Climate
The town has an inland climate. This means it gets a lot of rain and experiences big changes in temperature. Summers can be warm, and winters can be cold.
The Economy of Sant Joan
Most of the jobs in Sant Joan de les Abadesses are in factories and manufacturing. However, more and more people are visiting the town. This has led to an increase in tourism and service jobs.
Farming and Rural Life
Outside the town, the rural areas are mostly farms. These farms usually raise cattle, which are cows raised for meat or milk.
A Journey Through Sant Joan's History
Ancient Times: Early Settlers
People have lived in the valley around Sant Joan de les Abadesses for a very long time. Archeologists have found proof of settlements from the Stone Age.
Even though a Roman road, the Via Augusta, passed through the valley, the area wasn't heavily influenced by the Romans.
Middle Ages: The Monastery's Beginning
The town started when the Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses was founded in 887. Wilfred the Hairy, an important leader, started this monastery. It was one of the first nunneries in Catalonia.
Emma of Barcelona and the Nuns
Wilfred's daughter, Emma of Barcelona, became the first abbess (leader of the nuns). The community of Benedictine nuns grew rich and important during the 900s. However, in 1017, the nuns were asked to leave. This happened because they were accused of not following their rules.
A New Chapter for the Monastery
After the nuns left, there was a period of change. Then, in the 1100s, new monks from the order of Saint Augustine took over. They rebuilt much of the monastery, including new churches. This brought new cultural importance to the area. The monastery even had a large collection of troubadour songs from that time.
The Growth of the Town
Around the monastery, the town of Sant Joan began to grow. At first, people lived near the Church of Sant Pol. But as more people came, a walled town called Vila Vella was built. This part of town was home to many medieval guilds, which were like clubs for different types of workers.
Over time, the town's power shifted from the church to local leaders. Sant Joan also became important during the Carlist wars and faced changes from industrial growth.
Modern Era: Industry and Progress
In the mid-1800s, coal mining started nearby. This led to the building of a railroad from Sant Joan to Barcelona, which was finished in 1880. The railroad helped the town grow and become more industrial.
Factories and Innovation
Like other towns along the Ter River, Sant Joan built many factories. These factories used the river's water power. A local person from the town even brought concrete to Spain, and the town became a leader in making concrete.
The Spanish Civil War and Recovery
During the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, the town was briefly renamed Puig-Alt de Ter. As soldiers retreated towards France, many passed through Sant Joan. They destroyed bridges and the train station to slow down their pursuers. After the war, the town rebuilt and developed different types of industries.
Discovering Sant Joan's Main Sights
Sant Joan de les Abadesses has many interesting places to visit that show its long history.
- Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses: This important building was founded in the late 800s. The parts you see today were mostly built in the 1100s in the Romanesque style.
- Pont Vell (Old Bridge): This beautiful bridge was built in the medieval era and shows the Gothic style of architecture.
- Vila Vella: This is the old, planned part of the city, built in the 1200s. You can still see its original street layout, the Main Square, and some houses from the 1600s.
- Medieval Walls: Parts of the old town walls still stand, including two towers.
- Way of Iron and Coal (Ruta de Ferro i Carbó): This is a walking and biking trail built on the path of the old railroad. It's a great way to explore the area.
Sant Joan's Twin Towns
Sant Joan de les Abadesses has special connections with two other towns around the world. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities."
- Le Palais-sur-Vienne (France)
- San Luis Potosí (Mexico)
See also
In Spanish: San Juan de las Abadesas para niños
