The 19th-Century Optical Telegraph Station of Santa Maria de Jonqueres

Perched atop a ridge overlooking the Garrotxa landscape, Santa Maria de Jonqueres stands as a testament to enduring history. Its main form dates back to the 12th century. It began as a priorate for the Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona, a historical connection still visible in the Mas de Santa Magdalena joined to its northern wall.

In the mid-19th century, the bell tower assumed a new strategic role. It became a station for an optical telegraph line that allowed military signals to be flashed between the castles of Montagut and Sant Ferran. Although the tower sustained heavy damage during this period of service, the remains of its double-opening belfry remain visible for us to see today.

Inside, the church preserves an alabaster figure of the Mare de Déu, which was once covered in heavy polychromy. A small 16cm tall sculpture of Santa Magdalena is now kept in a neighboring house to protect it from theft.

This church is a protected site of local interest. While current records do not specify public opening hours or access status, the site invites further exploration into its complex past.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons