Santa Maria de Merlès facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Santa Maria de Merlès
Santa María de Marlés
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Municipality
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Santa Maria de Merlés
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 Santa Maria de Merlès
Location in Province of Barcelona
Santa Maria de Merlès
Location in Catalonia
Santa Maria de Merlès
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Community |  Catalonia |
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| Province | Barcelona | |
| Comarca | Berguedà | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 52.1 km2 (20.1 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 532 m (1,745 ft) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 183 | |
| • Density | 3.512/km2 (9.10/sq mi) | |
Santa Maria de Merlès is a small town in Catalonia, Spain. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The town gets its name from the Merlès riera, which is a stream that flows nearby. It is located about 14 kilometers east of Puig-reig. And it is 8 kilometers west of Prats de Lluçanès, which is the closest market town.
This town is split into two main parts called parishes. Santa Maria is on the west side of the stream. Sant Martí is on the east side. Each parish belongs to a different church area. Santa Maria is in the Bishopric of Solsona. Sant Martí is in the Bishopric of Vic.
Even though Santa Maria de Merlès is in a natural area called Lluçanès, its people decided not to join a new region with that name in 2015. The plan for this new region was put on hold.
Local Stories and Legends
The town of Santa Maria de Merlès has a long history. It was once home to two very important families. These were the Cortadas and the Vilaltas. Their large, old houses can still be seen in the town today. A popular local story explains why the Church of Santa Maria was rebuilt a long time ago.
The story says that the two families did not get along. One Sunday, the head of the Vilalta family sat in the church pew that was meant for the Cortada family. This made the head of the Cortada family very angry. He left the church and came back with a weapon. Because of what happened, the church building had to be taken down. It was then rebuilt on the other side of the main road. Later, the head of the Cortada family felt very sorry for his actions. To show his regret, he built a small chapel on his land. This chapel was dedicated to Mary Magdalene.
Town Celebrations
Santa Maria de Merlès has several fun festivals each year. These are times when the community comes together to celebrate.
- Festa Major: This is the main town festival. It happens on August 15th.
- Festival of Sant Pau de Pinós: This festival is held on the Sunday closest to September 8th.
- Festival of Sant Martí: This celebration takes place on November 11th.
Places to Visit
Santa Maria de Merlès has many interesting historical sites and natural attractions. You can explore old buildings and learn about the area's past.
- Romanesque Bridge of Sant Martí: This is an old bridge built in the Romanesque style. It is very old and beautiful.
- Church of Sant Pau de Pinós: This church was started in the 12th century. It is a very old and important building.
- Church of Sant Miquel de Terradelles: This church also dates back to the 12th century. It shows the history of the area.
- Baroque Church of Santa Maria de Merlès: This church was built in the 17th century. It has a grand Baroque style.
- Ruins of the Castle of Merlès: You can see the remains of this castle from the 12th century. It tells stories of knights and old times.
- Chapel of Santa Maria Magdalena: This small chapel has special carvings of animals. These are called zoomorphic carvings.
- Camadoca Wildlife Center: This center helps local animals from the Merlès stream area. It is open for visitors to learn about nature.
