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Ancient Charm, Stepping Back In Time

Home Blog Ancient Charm, Stepping Back In Time
Ancient Charm, Stepping Back In Time

Ancient Charm, Stepping Back In Time

Oct 12, 2016 | Blog | 0 comments |

Adventures into the Catalan Countryside

A day trip to remember. I love wandering down back alleyways or side streets, getting off the beaten path, exploring  historic landmarks and hidden gems. Our latest journey took us to the Monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres, nestled on the edge of a peninsula, high above the Ter River in the North of Spain. Previous to the construction of the monastery in the 11th century, situated on the same site, there had been a castle dating back to 898 AD, which housed a chapel dedicated to Saint Peter. img_3245

img_3256

An ancient legend surrounds the construction of the Monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres. The viscounts of Osona and Cardona had heeded the words of one of their children only three days after birth. This remarkable child spoke and said that he would not live more than thirty days. Upon his death, his body should be placed in a sealed ark upon a mule. Wherever this animal stopped, the viscounts were to build a monastery dedicated to Saint Peter. img_3247

img_3232Around the 14th and 15th centuries, the population in the area decreased and money dwindled. The upkeep of the buildings was too great a task, and slowly over time the property weathered and aged. In a deplorable state, the Osona District Council bought the property in 1991 from an individual family who had operated it as a farm and began to carry out the restoration of the whole monastery together with the Generalitat de Catalunya between the years of 1994 and 1998. Today, the monastery houses a permanent exhibition which portrays the life of the monks that once found this place of prayer. An exquisitely restored property of great historic value.

It was our great plan to get out of Barcelona for the day, to discover some part of the Catalan region, in the North of Spain, where we had not already been. We had driven through and around Vic on our way to Andorra and to the Garrotxa National Park, but we had never spent time, actually delving into the city and its origins.

After spending the morning hiking to the monastery, and taking photographs to document our exploits, we made our descent past the chic hotel, Parador de Vic-Sau, through the town of Roda and on into Vic, a short 15 km drive. Having looked online before leaving Barcelona, we had mapped out what seemed to be a popular restaurant for lunch.

img_3218Ca La Maria, owned, at least what we thought, by the French chef and his Catalan wife. A lovely couple, offering great service, conversation and a selection of local recipes to decide from. There were three of us around the table.  It was decided. After our hostess explained the menu and the preparation of certain dishes, we would all select from her various suggestions to taste and share. If you don’t already know, I love to eat, and did this little diamond impress my taste buds! Spending two, no almost three full hours indulging our palates with a selection of charcuterie, local cheese, homemade soups, a pork dish that took three days to prepare and tantalizing desserts, we said adéu. Extremely happy, like a child given a puppy, I would gladly return to this unique find.

img_3262Vic, a city once located along Via Augusta, or the Roman Way, there is an immense presence of ancient influence from the time of the Roman empire in this region. From towns like Besalu to Tarragona, there are still remnants of Roman amphitheaters and temples attracting visitors all year long. A charming city of cozy, pedestrian, walking streets, all flowed to a center market square like I had never seen before. Vic’s Plaza Major, surrounded by precious noble buildings from centuries past, was and still remains today, a remarkable social and cultural meeting place. Shops and cafes on paved terraces surround a center square of fine, golden sand, a substance almost resembling clay. img_3283

A delightful stroll through pastry shops and local artisan studios, we were enthralled by the city’s beauty, an allure that would beckon our return. As the night drew near, we would make our way, a short hour’s drive, back to Barcelona, our home along the vibrant Mediterranean. A day trip that offered serenity, nourishment and culture, a feast for the wandering soul.

Tags: DIninghistoryMonasteryRestaurantSpainVic
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HELLO! MY NAME IS EMILY DAWN SZAJDA I am a professional chef, writer, yoga & meditation instructor, sports nutritionist and adventurous traveler. I believe in running away from comfort zones and embarking on a journey to discover your passion and purpose. Discover more

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  • Yoga
    • Hot Power Yoga: Why We Sweat
    • The Growth of the Yoga Industry
    • Questionnaire Complete: How I came to teach Yoga in Europe
  • Meditation
    • Going Through Transitions in Life Meditation
    • Resistance vs. Surrender Yoga Nidra Meditation
    • Mindfulness in our Everyday
    • Yoga Nidra Meditation: Patience
  • In the Kitchen
    • Nutrition
      • Turmeric’s Healing Powers
      • The Truth About Supplements: 5 Things To Consider
      • 5 Tips On How To Stay Hydrated
    • Recipes
      • Sweet Potato, Banana & Blueberry Pancakes
      • Yellow Squash & Carrot Cakes
      • About
  • Blog
  • About
    • Emily Dawn Szajda
    • Live Your Life
    • References
    • In The Press
    • Contact
  • Travel & Events
    • Retreats
      • Mindful Meditation Yoga Retreat In Valencia, Spain
      • Mindfulness Meditation Yoga Retreat
      • Yoga & Massage Weekend Getaway
    • Workshops
      • Live The Sweetlife: Mindful Eating with Sweetgreen
      • Active Nutrition Workshop
      • A Healthy Spin on Holiday Cookies
      • Rise & Shine Yoga Morning
    • Events
      • Root to Rise Yoga + Brunch
      • Creative Writing Webinar
      • Crowdfunding Launch Party
      • Crowdfunding Big Time Journey of a Small Town Girl
      • Hydrate and Meditate at Mandarin Oriental
      • Beauty Mask, Meditation & Mimosas at recharj®
      • Women’s Circle: Nourishing The Feminine Spirit at recharj®
      • Live The Sweetlife: Mindful Eating with Sweetgreen
      • Rooftop Guided Meditation at the Embassy Row Hotel
      • Women’s Circle: Meditate, Relate, and Renew at recharj®
      • Rooftop Guided Meditation at the Embassy Row Hotel
      • RECHARJ SIP + SAVOR Yoga Social Mondays
      • POP Up SUP Yoga & Brunch Morning
    • #
      • Team Builders
      • Customize the Experience
  • RELAX, RESET, REJUVENATE
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