The most striking thing about visiting Ripoll is the immense monastery in the historic center. We are in the north of Catalonia, near the Pyrenees but still in a hilly and very green area. The Monestir of Santa Maria de Ripoll it is a complex that dates back to 888, built by Guifré el Pelos count of Barcelona; struck by calamities and destruction over the centuries, it still shows original parts and is of extraordinary beauty. The access portal to the church, for example, with mythological figures, biblical stories, signs of the zodiac, carved in stone with skill, is of a breathtaking imposing, it will be that Romanesque is my favorite style in Italy as in Spain. And the large cloister is a true oasis of peace and beauty, with the two orders of loggia with beautifully decorated columns - the entrance ticket to the Monestir costs € 3.
But I don't want to talk to you about the church rather than the feast to which it is simply the background: an event that is repeated every summer, Mercadal del Comte Guifré, a real medieval festival that takes place in the oldest part of the town. From 10 to 12 August every day starting at 11 and then with lunch break until 17: from there to night music with various groups specialized in polyphony and medieval instruments, medieval tavern; acrobats, falconry, archery. And then puppets, games for children, market.
The atmosphere is joyful and chaotic, the members of the performing groups are all in medieval costume. Large bales of straw serve as seats for the spectators. A nice party, a nice atmosphere, the fully illuminated basilica.
