Straight out of a movie - Salve Maria
The perfect locations
Salve Maria stands out not only for its captivating story, production, and direction but also for showcasing the extraordinary natural and cultural richness of the Vall de Boí.
The film includes scenes shot in some of the valley’s most iconic locations, which we highly recommend you visit.
- The historic center of Boí, with its charming narrow streets that transport us to another era.
- The Church of Sant Joan de Boí, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The Hermitage of Sant Quirc de Durro, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in one of the best viewpoints of the valley, it offers breathtaking views
Historic Center of Boí
Boí occupies an intermediate position between Caldes, Erill la Vall, and Taüll. It was once a walled village, partly built using the local rocks and partly incorporating the houses themselves, with the castle at the western end and the Church of Sant Joan, reflecting its importance during the medieval period. It is situated high on the left bank of the Noguera de Tor river.
As we stroll through its narrow streets, we’ll come across the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, which currently serves as the parish church.
Another interesting detail is the name of the Plaza del Treio, which is derived from the Latin Trivium meaning "three paths," suggesting that Boí was once a key crossroads of important roads during the Roman era.
If you want to enhance your visit:
- The house of the Parc (Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park) – Information point
- Tussal Gran viewpoint
Romanesque church of Sant Joan
Sant Joan de Boí is the church that preserves the most architectural elements from the earliest construction phase in the Vall de Boí, dating back to the 11th century.
With a basilica floor plan, it stands out for its set of mural paintings that were discovered decorating the interior of the naves, with scenes such as the Stoning of Saint Stephen, The Minstrels, and the Bestiary. Here, you can see the function of Romanesque mural paintings and get a glimpse of the original appearance of these churches.
Sant Quirc de Durro Hermitage
The Hermitage of Sant Quirc is located in a privileged setting, on the mountain of Durro at 1,500 meters. Its location is a territorial mark linked to the social space worked by the community and to the pagan tradition of the falles (a local celebration involving fire).
Inside, you can observe the harmonious coexistence of different artistic periods, with a copy of the Romanesque altar frontal, a Gothic-style image of Saint Quirc and Saint Julita, and a Baroque altarpiece.
Be sure to take in the stunning views from the spectacular viewpoint!
Route to Caldes de Boí
From Boí, follow the road towards the Caldes de Boí, and you’ll be met with the breathtaking landscape of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Take in the vastness of the surroundings.
The landscape changes dramatically depending on the season, so choose the colors you’d like to see during your visit.
We suggest completing your visit with:
- Caldes de Boí thermal station, and enjoy a walk through its gardens. Route of the Springs.
- You can reach Cavallers reservoir to experience the true high-mountain landscape. You can drive up to the parking area (note that the road can be icy in winter) or hike from Caldes via the Torigo path to the reservoir.
- On the way down, you can stop at the Farga parking and take the Lovers' Path, a short walk following the course of the river.
