History

A Brief History

of

Cap de Creus

Remains of settlements from prehistoric times can be found in and around the park such as the megalithic monuments, Mores Altes 1 and Mores Altes 11 (Photos of Mores Altes1 and 11, near Port de la Selva ).

The Greeks and Romans also made their presence felt in the area and were responsible for the plantations of olive trees and vineyards which modified the landscape. The Romans were also responsibe for a more urban development of the territory.

The true origin of Sant Pere de Rodes monastery is not exactly known. It is said that it was founded by monks who disembarked in that area with the remains of Saint Peter and other saints to protect themselves from Barbarian attacks.

 The first documentation of the monastery dates back to 878 when it was a monastery cell. It was founded as a Benedictine monastery in 945, reaching its maximum splendour between the 11th and 12th centuries. It was declared a national monument in 1930.

 

 

La Serra d'Albera

La Serra d'Albera has the lowest hills of all The Pyrenees and has been a crossing point for people and cultures of Europe and the Iberian peninsula as well as a place for human settlements. On its southern hillsides it has one of the largest number of megalithic monuments in all Cataluña.

In Espolla you can find the dolmens of La Cabana d'Arqueta (below left), one of the largest in La Serra d'Albera. In around La Jonquera you can find the dolmens of Canadal (below right), El Mas Baleta, Els Mesclants and El Pedreguer.

 The dolmens and menhirs of Els Estanys are also well renowned. The dolmens La Coma Felis, Les Comes Llobes, El Solar dèn Gubert and the menhir Mas Roquer are also worth mentioning.

There is a rich patrimony of Romanesque art in La Serra d'Albera. One of the most renowned is the Benedictine monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera (left), which is documented from the 10th century. Here you can see the remains of the cloister and fortifications as well as the Basilica church of Santa Maria. Other examples of Romanesque art are the churches, Sant Martí de Baussitges (below left) and Sant Genís d'Esprac, both in the municipality of Espolla.

Rocaberti Castle (Castell de Rocaberti) is situated in the municipality of La Jonquera and is visible from the town itself. It was first mentioned in 948 but seems to date back even further than that. At present, the castle is in ruins.

Requesens Castle (Castell de Requesens) (above right) is also situated in the municipality of La Jonquera and corresponds to the neighbourhood of Requesens, which is about a kilometre and a half from the castle. The castle was first mentioned in the 11th century but it's thought that it dates back to the 9th century.

 

To be continued.