Ermitas
The nearby Sant Andreu de Gitarriu is just one of many hermitage churches in the Alta Garrotxa. According to the marker, it dates from the 10th century. Its (empty) belfry is simply an open double-arch above its roofline, common to many other Ermitas. We could peer in through the small window in the apse to get a view of the tiny, spare interior.
The area is part of Itinerànnia, a network of hiking trails that stretches over 2.500 km across the regions of Ripollès, Garrotxa and Alt Empordà. The first of its kind in Spain, it used "the concept of a network of routes in rural areas, a structure which allows the user to reach any part of the region from anywhere within the region and to move completely freely and safely around the area." This was accomplished by researching and inventorying existing trails; cross-referencing them with tourist, natural and cultural attractions and services; and developing comprehensive maps and unified signage.
We also hiked to Treu Petit, about a 30-minute walk from the house. The views were outstanding.
From el Treu Petit we could see yet another Ermita below us, which might have been Sant Feliu de Riu.
Ed and I also walked down from El Serradell to the church of Sant Grau de Entreperes (Sant Grau between the rocks). It had a small homestead next to it with a chicken coop and some cleared farmland. Although the homestead was uninhabited, the church was larger and looked more regularly used than the others we had seen.
