Sant Esteve de Ripollet

Nestled in the charming town of Ripollet in the Vallès Occidental region of Catalonia, Spain, Sant Esteve de Ripollet stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and historical significance. This parish church, protected as a local cultural heritage site, invites visitors to step back in time and explore its rich past and intricate design.

The Architectural Marvel of Sant Esteve de Ripollet

The original structure of Sant Esteve de Ripollet dates back to the Romanesque period, featuring a Latin cross plan with a nave topped by a slightly pointed barrel vault and a semicircular apse. Archaeological evidence suggests that a cemetery once lay to the north of the church, while a small cloister was located to the left, remnants of which were discovered during the demolition of the old rectory in 1948.

Today, the church has evolved into a three-nave building. The central nave retains the original Romanesque structure, while the southern nave incorporates the gallery from the former cloister. The communication between the naves is facilitated by two large arches on either side of the central nave. A double-splayed window graces the center of the apse wall, adding to the church's architectural charm.

The Renaissance Portal

One of the standout features of Sant Esteve de Ripollet is its 17th-century Renaissance portal. This rectangular doorway is flanked by columns that support an entablature adorned with a frieze compartmentalized by triglyphs and metopes. Above this, a triangular pediment with a now-empty niche in the tympanum once housed a statue of Saint Stephen until 1844. The metopes are decorated with floral motifs, and the central ones feature chicks, a nod to the town's heraldic shield. The pedestals of the columns are carved with the Ripollet coat of arms, adding a touch of local pride to the portal.

The Modernist Bell Tower

In 1892, a new bell tower was constructed in the modernist style, designed by architect Josep Torres i Argullol. This square tower transitions into an octagonal shape at the height of the bells, featuring eight windows. Above, an iron crown holds additional bells, and the rectangular arches of the crown are slightly pointed, culminating in a tympanum with a pierced cross. The windows on the first and second floors are narrow and rectangular, with triangular closures at the top and dentil-like brick sills at the bottom. The upper part of the tower is framed by a molded brickwork, interspersed with triangular elements, and topped with a crenellated parapet combined with an iron railing.

The entrance to the bell tower is rectangular, and the exposed brickwork is used for decorative purposes, forming false or depressed arches. The upper part of the tower is framed by a double molding that is slightly pointed, reminiscent of the ogee arch. The current clock, with a white face and Arabic numerals, bears the inscription Roma and is set within a star-shaped square adorned with blue decorative tiles. The bell tower is a striking combination of stone and brick, blending traditional and modernist elements seamlessly.

The Historical Significance

Sant Esteve de Ripollet is first documented in a royal decree by King Lothair in 986, confirming the church's ownership by the Monastery of Sant Cugat. It is mentioned as a parish in 1066 in a document of emphyteutic establishment by Abbot Andreu of Sant Cugat in favor of Sicardis and her children. Over the centuries, the monastery accumulated numerous properties in Ripollet through donations, purchases, and bequests, all confirmed by King James I in 1234, although the area remained under royal jurisdiction.

Evidence of the cloister's existence comes from two sources: a 1692 order by Visitator Dr. Antonio Figueres to repair the cloister door and a 1738 marriage contract held in the rectorial cloisters of Ripollet. A cistern once stood in the middle of the cloister courtyard, further highlighting the church's historical significance.

Restoration and Preservation

Between 1978 and 1979, the exterior walls of Sant Esteve de Ripollet were cleaned, removing the plaster and revealing the current masonry. The old bell tower, built in 1603 to replace a bell gable, stood on the north wall of the church. After a severe storm in 1831, the tower was left in poor condition. In 1891, a generous donation from Maria Torras, the widow of Almirall, funded the reconstruction of the damaged walls. However, due to the tower's precarious state, it was partially demolished and covered with a dome and fish-scale tiles. With Maria Torras's support, a new bell tower was erected and inaugurated in November 1892, although a commemorative marble plaque was destroyed in 1936.

The first clock was installed in 1793, but it was destroyed by a lightning strike during the 1831 storm. A watchmaker from Terrassa, Miquel Pou, repaired it shortly after. When the new bell tower was inaugurated, a new clock, donated by Maria Torras, was installed.

In conclusion, Sant Esteve de Ripollet is not just a church but a symbol of historical and architectural evolution. Its walls and structures tell stories of the past, from Romanesque beginnings to modernist transformations. Visiting this remarkable site offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of Ripollet and the enduring spirit of its community.