Romanesque architecture
Between the 11th and 13th century, a new style emerged and spread uniformly across Western European feudal kingdoms: Romanesque Art. The economic stability and the increasing relationships among the Christian kingdoms of the time favoured this artistic uniformity. Romanesque Art was mainly rural and left a vast artistic legacy of small temples (chapels and churches) in a large number of villages throughout the territory. It was therefore an essentially religious art which was meant to bring the faithful closer to God by means of images, in a time when most people were illiterate. The aim of Romanesque style was to represent the inner essence of things rather than their beauty. Thus, painting and sculpture focused on the religious messages conveyed by the characters without using background scenery. In addition, architecture was essentially austere and functional, featuring rustic volumes and unadorned stone masses, with lesenes and blind arches as the only elements standing out on the outer side of the apses.
As far as the village of Oló is concerned, it is no coincidence that Romanesque chapels and churches are sited on the best lands of the region, taking into account the period of economic balance when they were built.
Access by car from the village to the points of interest:
- Santa Creu de la Plana: heading towards Sant Joan d’Oló, 6 km away, about 12 min.
- Sant Feliuet de Terrassola: heading towards l’Estany, 10 km away, about 9 min.
- Sant Jaume de Vilanova: heading towards l’Estany (BP-4313), 6 km away, about 13 min.
- Sant Joan Vell: go up to Sant Joan d’Oló (7 km) and from there, about 15-minute walk.
- Sant Miquel d’Oló: path from Oló to l’Estany, 6 km away, about 15 min.
- St. Vicenç de Vilarassau: heading towards Sant Joan d’Oló; 3 km away from Sant Joan d’Oló, take the path to the church, about 2 km; about 15 min altogether.
