The hill where the Chapel of Sant Elm (catalan name of Erasmus) is located is very special for the zone. First, for the stunning views it offers over the Mediterranean Sea, secondly from the chapel building itself, originally dated 1452, and third because, in the universe of the Costa Brava, Sant Elm hill became something like a baptismal font.

Sant Elm Chapel and viewpoint

In 1908 the Catalan journalist Ferran Agulló (1863-1933), in a visit to this place, would have uttered the words ‘Costa Brava’ to refer to this and similar landscapes of the Girona coast. He also wrote an article in September 12th of that year, in newspaper La Veu, where he explains the reason about this name. A monolith in the esplanade of the viewpoint reminds us of this origin.

The chapel and the viewpoint are on an ancient fortification. Perhaps that’s the reason why the French army destroyed it in 1696. The present building dates from the restoration in 1723, when it was devoted to the “señora del Buen Viaje” (Good Journey Virgin), and after the Spanish Civil War it was restored again.

Commemorative plaque about the origin of the name 'Costa Brava' to this region of Catalonia, in 1928

The views provided by this hill are truly extraordinary. To the north, a panorama that extends from Tossa de Mar to Palamós. To the south we can see Sant Feliu de Guíxols beach.

Impressive views to the South Costa Brava from Sant Elm viewpoint

The chapel opens to the public only during the day of Good Journey Virgin and also during the guided tours organized by the official Tourist Board of Sant Feliu de Guíxols.