Surrounded by vineyards and the rugged peaks of the Garraf Massif, Sant Pere de Ribes is a charming town in the province of Barcelona. It’s home to the remains of a castle once ruled by Guillem de Ribes, a 12th-century troubadour who composed songs in the centuries-old language of Old Occitan.
Things to do in Sant Pere de Ribes
Dominating the town centre is the Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro de Ribes, a Catholic house of worship that was built in the early 20th century. It’s framed by two bell towers designed in an octagonal shape and with pointed arches that are typical of the Gothic style. Coincide your visit with a service to see the beautiful stained glass windows within the church.
First mentioned in the 10th century is the Castell de Ribes, which has been recently restored and is now open to the public as a cultural museum. Join a guided tour to learn about the events that have taken place here and the castle’s last occupant, José de Udaeta. The Castell de Ribes’ circular tower also provides a backdrop for video projections and concerts as part of the Udaeta Festival.
Built on the remains of a Roman villa is the Ermita de Sant Pau, a Baroque-style hermitage that dates back to the 18th century. It’s a short walk north of Sant Pere de Ribes and offers magnificent views across the town from its hilltop setting. Keep an eye out for the image of Our Lady of Montserrat above the hermitage entrance.
Getting around Sant Pere de Ribes
Sant Pere de Ribes is around 40 minutes’ drive from Barcelona and 25 minutes from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Sant Pere de Ribes and the town is small enough to explore on foot.