The Baroque altarpieces in Oló
The two altarpieces in the Santa Maria d’Oló church together with the three ones in the Sant Joan d’Oló church make up a collection of the most important Baroque altarpieces preserved in situ in the Moianès region. The old town of Sant Joan d’Oló is also noteworthy as a representation of a Catalan rural parish in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a reflection of the evolution of Baroque art.
The Santa Maria d’Oló parish church, was built at the same time as the old castle of Oló, around 999. A 13th century copper processional cross has been preserved from the former Romanesque building, which is now exhibited in Vic’s Museu Episcopal. It was not until the first half of the 17th century, after a period of decline, that the building of the present church, dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption (whose feast is celebrated on 15th August), started and was carried out in different stages. The structure of the present church consists of three naves. The central one is rectangular, 20 metres long and 8 metres wide. On the right and on the left, there are two aisles, 12 metres long and 4 metres wide each. The façade features some protruding ornaments above the entrance door, where the year 1646, when the works were completed, is chiselled. Next to the high altar is the church tower, the ground floor of which serves now as a vestry. Inside the church there is a majestic Baroque altarpiece.
The Sant Joan d’Oló, parish church is located on a small plateau to the west of the district, an hour’s walk from the village. The church was built by master builder Santacana and consecrated in 1639. In 1643, the Blessed Sacrament was moved from the Sant Joan former church to the new one, which took over all the parish functions. Within this small site it is worth noting the covered conjuratory in front of the church, built in 1649. The church consists of a single nave with two side chapels. The left side of the oeil-de-boeuf window set above the door on the façade illuminates the nave. The Sant Joan church was furnished with three altarpieces: one dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, one to Saint Isidore the Labourer, and the main altarpiece.
To arrange a guided visit, please send an e-mail to: st.m.olo@olo.cat Oló Town Council.
