About 4 km along the road from Solsona to Berga (C-26) visitors will find the church of Sant Esteve d’Olius (Pyrenees-
El Solsonès - Spain), which is a fine example of 11th century Lombard Romanesque
style architecture. The building has a single nave covered by a barrel vault and a square belfry with four
semi-circular arched windows. Under the belfry, it is possible to observe some moulding decorated with eyelets.
Another interesting feature of the church is the crypt dedicated to Santa Maria, which is formed
by three small naves supported on six columns, all of which are different. The main point of access is via a
central stairway, but on each side of this stairway it is still possible to observe the original accesses,
each with five steps down.
Very close by, it is possible to visit the modernist-style (Art Nouveau) cemetery of Olius.
This was built in 1916 by Bernardí Martorell, who had also collaborated in the construction of the Sagrada Família
cathedral. It is a rather curious enclosure in which people are buried in the rock and where only those who either
were born or have lived in Olius have the right to be buried.
Those wishing to visit the church should phone the Oficina de Turisme del Solsonès
(Tourist Office) to check the visiting times.
Information provided by: Consell Comarcal del Solsonès |