Sant Martí de Riells Hermitage

The first documentary news of the place of “Riellos” is found in a precept dated September 9, 878. With the foundation of the monastery of Breda in 1038, it came under its direct jurisdiction. In 1169 there is already written evidence that the church of Riells is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. In 1957 the parish passed from the Bishopric of Barcelona to the Bishopric of Girona. Saint Martin of Riells is the parish church of Riells and Viabrea. The temple has undergone many remodelings over the centuries. The first major restoration was carried out in the 15th century, as it had been damaged by the social uprisings of the time. Later, in the 17th century, it was expanded to cover the needs of the parish. The Civil War of 1936 also had significant repercussions on the building and meant the destruction of the entire parish archive. After the war it was rebuilt and in 1956 the definitive restoration began.