Easy hikes and walks around Fogars de la Selva

Església de Sant Llop d'Hortsavinyà El document més antic on s'esmenta Hortsavinyà és del 1101, i el primer de l'església, del 1301, si bé la primitiva esglesiola podria ser del segle IX o X. La major part de l'edifici actual és del segle XVIII. Sant Llop n'és el patró (1 de setembre), i per això se celebra la festa major en aquestes dates, coincidint amb el primer diumenge del mes. I si sant Llop és el patró de l'església, santa Eulàlia ho és del poble, i pels volts del 10 de desembre se celebra la festa major petita d'Hortsavinyà. Tradicionalment, sant Llop fou l'encarregat, en la fe cristiana, de guarir el mal de coll i l'afonia, i se'l relacionava amb alguns comportaments dels llops. Tot això ens porta a cercar els seus orígens en un personatge precristià, el pare Llop, un home que convivia amb un ramat de llops a les muntanyes. Una vegada a l'any baixava a les masies a cobrar un tribut, que calia pagar si es volia evitar l'atac dels llops al bestiar i a les persones. També era creença general, segons podem llegir als bestiaris medievals catalans, que si un home veia un llop abans que el llop a ell, la bèstia restava muda per sempre més, però si era el llop qui el veia primer, qui perdia la veu era l'home. Això darrer es produïa per l'ensurt que patia la persona en trobar-se el llop. D'aquí ve la relació de sant Llop amb l'afonia. Font: XPN

Not only did it serve as a watchtower, but it also served as a rapid transmission point between castles and fortified farmhouses in the area, before regular messengers existed. It also acted as a retreat point during episodes of the French War, taking advantage of its elevated and discreet access. The base and part of the walls remain of the construction, enough to understand its strategic function in such a busy historical corridor. The place is quiet and easy to identify on route.

Beyond the usual features, what's interesting is that it wasn't just a parish church, but a key crossroads between isolated farmhouses and forest trails. For centuries it also served as a meeting place for the foresters, who used the porch to exchange warnings about snowfalls, fires, or lost livestock. Inside, remnants of badly worn mural paintings were found, indicating that it was once more important than it appears today. The surrounding area retains that secluded and remote atmosphere that has always characterized Sant Llop.

Long before the current metal structure, this spot was already being used in the 19th century as a signal post, where forest rangers gave visual warnings from a wooden platform. It wasn't chosen solely for its height, but also because it's a place where the wind changes abruptly, which helps detect smoke from a great distance. In the 1970s, a rotating fiberglass cabin for continuous surveillance was tested there, but it was discarded because the wind moved it too much. An unassuming spot, but with a hidden history behind its forestry function.

At this point on the road, there's a children's park, which is also a starting point for cyclists and hikers. Thanks to Breda City Council, they've also installed a bike workshop, complete with a pump and tools. I hope those who love other people's things...don't take any notice.

Quite a quiet place to visit by bike or on foot. In my case I went up from Pineda de Mar passing through Hortsavinya. At the top of Turó Gros there is a watchtower with views of the entire area, if you go up on a cloudless day, it is more than worth going. The tower is abandoned and without a padlock. Quite a recommendable place! I will surely go up there again.

Next to the church there is a nice area to rest

This trail next to the Riera del Repiax... is ideal for short routes, in groups or alone..!!