Restoration of Sant Esteve Church by Santamaría Arquitectes

Located at the eastern edge of Marganell, Barcelona, on the northern slope of the Montserrat massif, the Sant Esteve Church is a historic 11th-century Romanesque landmark. Surrounded by expansive natural landscapes and situated 1.5 km from the town center, this church has been carefully restored by Santamaría Arquitectes, led by Pere Santamaria Garcia, blending historical preservation with contemporary functionality.

Historical Context

The Sant Esteve Church retains much of its original Romanesque structure despite modifications over the centuries. Originally, the church consisted of a central nave, a north-side chapel, and a square-based bell tower located in the southwest corner. The central nave measures 15 meters in length and 7.7 meters in width, with stone block walls arranged in regular rows. The semicircular apse remains undecorated, and the high altar is paved with ceramic pieces. The main entrance dates from 1824, crowned with a high circular window.

During the Spanish Civil War, the church roof was destroyed, leaving the interior exposed. This restoration project seeks to revive the building while adapting it for modern cultural and religious events, keeping it open as a public space for the local community.

Architectural Features

• Central Nave: Preserved stone walls and semicircular apse provide historical authenticity.
• Side Chapel: Covered with a barrel vault and connected to the nave via a wide arch.
• Bell Tower: Square-based tower, 4 meters per side and 15.7 meters high, crowned with a hipped roof.
• Interior Flooring: Sand pavement under the glass roof projection, fine gravel elsewhere, blending contemporary design with heritage preservation.
• Glass Roof: Modern intervention allows indoor use without altering the church’s historic exterior.

Cultural and Community Impact

The restoration of Sant Esteve Church successfully balances heritage preservation with adaptive reuse. The church now serves as a multifunctional space for religious ceremonies, cultural events, and community gatherings, breathing new life into a historic landmark while respecting its original Romanesque identity.

All Photographs are works of Judith Casas