L’AVENC DE TAVERTET
In 1997, on a walk along the cliffs of Tavertet, we fell in love with a ruined Catalan farmhouse (Masia), an architectural gem listed as a Cultural Property of National Interest, located in a privileged location.
A place we wanted to share.
Today, l’Avenc offers rooms, studios, apartments, and cottages, designed to connect with its spectacular surroundings. Sustainability shapes our offer. It’s a project committed to the local territory, which brings people closer to nature from a place of admiration and respect, to offer you a unique experience of countryside well-being.
WELCOME!
TEAM
We’re only as good as the people who work with us, and that’s why we’re
backed by a fantastic team of local professionals committed to enhancing your stay.
From our cleaning and restaurant staff to receptionists and therapists,
our team is an integral part of your experience.
We all go that extra mile for you to make a difference.
HISTORY
The Middle Ages and the Renaissance
Travelers, sailors, churchgoers, and bandits passed through l’Avenc … and there lived a series of farmers and shepherds.
A prominent character born in the Mas was the bishop of Vic, Galzeran Sacosta, a controversial man, who is still remembered in the city of Manresa festivities.
During the 15th century, Catalonia suffered two major earthquakes that affected the Masia. The effects of these events can still be seen today.
Constança Avenc, in 1486 commissioned an inventory that was written to account for everything that was at that time in the farmhouse. A very interesting document of 13 sheets that is kept in the episcopal archive of Vic.
Elisenda Avenc married Segimón Amat, both in second marriage in 1557, and it was likely this couple carried out the great transformation of the Masia in the 16th century. A reconstruction that left it as the building we can see today. A large renaissance Gothic style house attached to the medieval remains that luckily were not demolished.
Recent history
L’Avenc was abandoned from the 1950s until 1996 when Joan Sarsanedas, the master builder of Rupit, bought it to restore it. Unnoticed by night, it was nevertheless well-visited by day by the locals – who have always cherished this historical site.
In 1997 the Abey Parris family bought the Masia to rehabilitate it as a family home. Still, its privileged location and architectural features (listed as a cultural asset of national interest) attracted a lot of interest, “so we decided to keep its doors open and continue to share this extraordinary place, with travelers, walkers and neighbors”. A few years later it became what it is now, after a few long years of hard work, many obstacles, and a lot of bureaucracy!
An old Catalan Masia full of history, myths, bandits, navigators, cocoa, farmers, and a controversial bishop… A Masia carefully restored and transformed into a refuge for those looking for spirituality, nature, local history and culture, sport, and relaxation.
Beginnings
The first stone of the Masia must have been laid about a thousand years ago. Some documents tell us about the inhabitants of the house, which date from 1234. One of the first is “Petrus de Avench”, a man of the church. Many descendants lived there after him. The name of the Masia remained as Avenc de Tavertet to this day.
Stories and legends
There are many stories related to l’Avenc.
One of the most interesting and surprising ones tells us about some enigmatic characters. Inside the Masia, some reliefs show us figures of navigators, slaves, ships and possibly cocoa… these signs tell us about a possible relationship between the house and the discovery of America through the port of Pals de l’Empordà and a navigable river Ter inland.
Another story worth mentioning is the relationship with the famous bandit Serrallonga. Who may have used the house and nearby forests as hiding places. A place to spend the night. A farmhouse where the Araus, the 17th century owners, gave him food and drink and where they took refuge on some cold nights.
