The Benedictine monastery of Santa María de Roses was founded at the beginning of the 10th century. It seems that initially, a small church that had existed since the 4th century was repurposed and reconstructed. The founder was Count Sunyer II of Empúries (862–915), who commissioned its construction to the cleric Argibad. An inscription made on the back of the church’s old altar remains as evidence of this.
The construction site, next to the sea, during a time of great instability and danger, meant that the monastery was always conceived as a compact building, enclosed by walls, almost like a castle or fortress. Archaeological excavations have made it possible to find remains of the first walled enclosure, which appears to be slightly smaller than the one we can observe today.
Its abbots also acted as feudal lords, owners of a significant part of the surrounding lands. Although it lost importance and power from the 15th century onwards, it remained inoperation until the end of the 18th century. People no longer lived in the Citadel itself from the 17th century onwards, but they continued to go to the monastery because the church was the parish church, and the town’s cemetery was located nearby.
Source: J. Sagrera.
Source: MAC-Girona.
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The inscription The inscription explaining the founding of the monastery is found on the back of an altar table, probably originating from the old Late Antique church. In it, Count Sunyer II entrusts his wife and children with commissioning the cleric Argibad to construct the monastery. At the end of the text, Argibad himself certifies having fulfilled the commission.
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