Hermitage of Joys

This former parish church was probably built on the orders of Baroness Sicardis, Lady of the Castle and the territory of Lloret. It was consecrated to Saint Romanus in 1079 by Guillem Guifre de Cerdanya, Bishop of Girona.

Centuries later, in 1522, the parish moved to the new Church of Sant Romà de Lloret, and the chapel was renamed in worship of the Santa Maria. From then on, the chapel was known by several names, including the Old Church, the Old Madonna and Our Lady of Joys.

The current church conserves very few Romanesque features, as it was renovated in the 17t and 18t centuries and rebuilt in 1914. The rectangular chapel has a gable roof that slopes to its sides, and an adjoining bell tower on the northern side, which is also square.

In 1913, the chapel underwent major renovation work funded by the brothers Narcís and Joan Gelats Durall. The façade, entrance and interior were altered, the Baroque altarpiece was installed and a shrine for the Virgin was built in the style of the period, featuring gilding, Venetian stucco and marble. Six murals depicting the Joyful Mysteries and the Ascension of the Lord were also painted. They include portraits of several contemporary figures, among them one of the patrons. In 1914, a second level with a double window was added to the bell tower, and in 1939 the roof with Lombard arches was constructed.