Sant Mateu de Franciac lies at the heart of the village of Franciac, made up of old farmhouses and a few modern houses. The first mention of this place dates back to the 13th century, as a rural parish in the archdeaconry of La Selva. Originally, it was a Romanesque church and was partially rebuilt in the 18th century. Historically, it has always formed part of the municipality of Caldes and the former barony of Llagostera.
Within the enclosure, we find a church, rectory and a small graveyard. The church has the rectangular structure of a basilica. On the right side of the façade, there is a square-shaped bell tower, which becomes octagonal as it rises, with openings in half-point arches.
The portal of the church entrance is adorned with a cornice that separates the two levels. Above there is a niche with the image of Saint Matthew and two half-reliefs on either side in form of a guardian and an engraved date: 1773. The façade is crowned by a simple rose window. Inside there are four chapels with ribbed vaults. There is also a choir with a stone balustrade. Attached to the doorway, on the left side, there is a stone arch that leads to the neighbouring building, a rectory in the form of a simple farmhouse, highlighted by a lintel that dates the building to the 17th century (1633). The annual festa major (town festival) of Franciac is held each year on the nearest weekend to Saint Matthew’s Day (21st September), featuring religious and festive events.
Subscribe to the newsletter