Santa Maria del castell de Salinoves stands with quiet dignity upon the jagged ridge known as Serrat d'Olivelles. To reach this site, one must navigate a narrow northern pass where the path remains marked by large blocks of conglomerate rock. The location is secluded, surrounded by deep ravines and a dense forest of holm oaks and shrubs, creating a perfect environment for careful observation.
The structure follows the layout of 11th-century architecture. It features a single nave with a barrel vault reinforced by transverse arches. Although it is a ruin, the sturdy northern and western walls allow us to see the layout clearly: a semicircular apse to the east, a bell-gable on the west, and a portal that once faced south.
We must look closer at the records, as the identity of the site remains a puzzle. It is thought by some to be the former monastery of Sant Cristòfol de Salinoves, documented in the 10th century. However, it appears to be dedicated to Santa Maria, though a 1758 pastoral visit listed it as Santa Maria dels Àngels. Due to its location next to the castle, it could also be Santa Llúcia del castell de Salinoves, which was a possession of the monastery of Santa Cecília d'Elins according to a 1080 consecration act.
Today, these ruins offer a steady space for contemplation. The site sits within a wild, rugged landscape where the effort to reach the ruins is rewarded by the evocative view of the church remains.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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