Les Marcetes farmhouse

The Mas de les Marcetes is one of the most important mansos (rural estates) in Manresa. Its origins date back to the medieval period, when all its lands depended on the Monastery of Sant Benet de Bages. It features the classic construction typology of the mansos in the Pla de Bages, with a central farmhouse-tower, annex wings built during the modern era, and a protective perimeter wall.

Its location, very close to La Salut de Viladordis sanctuary, meant that Saint Ignatius of Loyola would visit to beg for alms when he came to pray at the sanctuary during the months he spent in Manresa. The family that owned the masia, who usually took care of the sanctuary’s religious facilities, did not hesitate to welcome him and give him alms.

According to family tradition, the future saint thanked their kindness by giving them a piece of the hemp cord or belt he used to fasten the coarse sackcloth he wore. This relic was kept inside a silver sculpture that, unfortunately, disappeared during the Spanish Civil War.