Santa Engràcia de Montcada i Reixac, located in the picturesque municipality of Montcada i Reixac in the Vallès Occidental, is a testament to resilience and architectural evolution. This parish church, included in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia, has a storied history that mirrors the tumultuous events that have shaped the region.
The origins of Santa Engràcia trace back to the year 1007, when it was first documented on Monte Scatano. Initially situated near the Besòs River, the church was relocated on May 4, 1381, by a bishop's license to the new chapel of Sant Antoni and Sant Llorenç, founded by Pere Riera. From that point onward, it was known as the Parish Church of Santa Engràcia de Montcada.
In the 16th century, specifically on April 4, 1544, a sculptor named Martí Dies was commissioned to create an image of Saint Engràcia for the main altar. This image, which has since disappeared, was a significant element of the church's interior.
Between 1624 and 1868, Santa Engràcia served as a subsidiary of the Church of Sant Iscle and Santa Victòria de les Feixes, now within the municipality of Cerdanyola del Vallès. The need for expansion led to a neo-Gothic renovation project by Enric Sagnier i Villavechia between 1887 and 1888, with the church being inaugurated in 1901. Sagnier, who designed several other buildings in Montcada, eventually handed over the project to the municipal architect Joan Baptista de Serra i Martínez in 1928 due to financial and administrative challenges.
The church met a tragic fate during the Spanish Civil War in 1936 when it was destroyed amidst the anti-clerical violence of the period. However, the spirit of Santa Engràcia endured, and the church was rebuilt in the 1950s, with some sources suggesting the reconstruction began as early as 1942. The new structure incorporated a rationalist-style bell tower, which stands as a symbol of the church's rebirth.
Santa Engràcia's current architectural form is a blend of historical homage and modernist reconstruction. The church's facade, reconstructed post-1950s, retains a distinctive historicist appearance reminiscent of its 19th-century predecessor. The facade begins with a double base of well-fitted stones, higher at the front due to the terrain's morphology, and transitions into a smooth wall with typical ashlar patterns.
The central entrance is marked by a round arch with concentric moldings, bordered by a decorative frame. Flanking the entrance are circular, framed oculi, arranged symmetrically to enhance the facade's harmonious design. The bell tower, positioned above and behind the entrance, marks the beginning of the church's nave. The tower's square base transitions into a polygonal structure with twelve faces, each adorned with latticework and topped with a cross.
The interior of the church features lateral chapels, expressed externally through round-arched windows and pilasters, each crowned with a cross. The single apse, corresponding to the main altar, is polygonal in shape and covered with tiles, adding a touch of traditional craftsmanship to the structure.
Visitors to Santa Engràcia de Montcada i Reixac are greeted by a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The church's simple yet elegant design invites reflection and offers a glimpse into the architectural trends of the mid-20th century. The bell tower, with its three superimposed sections, is particularly striking. The first section features a central latticework space on each face, above which lies a square space housing the clock. The open gallery at the top, with its three round-arched openings, houses the church bells and is adorned with a finely crafted stone balustrade.
The second section of the tower, polygonal in shape, continues the latticework motif and is crowned with a cross on each face. The final section, a four-sided structure, culminates in a small dome topped with a cross, completing the tower's vertical ascent.
Inside, the church's nave and lateral chapels provide a peaceful retreat for worshippers and visitors alike. The simplicity of the interior design, combined with the natural light filtering through the round-arched windows, creates a tranquil ambiance conducive to prayer and meditation.
Santa Engràcia de Montcada i Reixac stands as a beacon of resilience and faith. Despite the trials and tribulations of its history, the church has been lovingly restored and continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural landmark in Montcada i Reixac. Its architectural evolution, from its neo-Gothic roots to its rationalist reconstruction, reflects the dynamic history of the region and the enduring spirit of its community.
For visitors to Montcada i Reixac, Santa Engràcia offers not only a place of worship but also a window into the rich historical tapestry of Catalonia. Its walls, both old and new, tell a story of perseverance and renewal, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to understand the cultural heritage of this beautiful part of Spain.
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