The monastery was originally founded in the 10th century by the monks of the Order of Saint Benedict.
The church interior is formed by a natural cave that serves as a roof for the sanctuary.
The site is positioned on a cliff overhang created by the erosion of the Tenes river over thousands of years.
Geologically, the cliffs belong to the 'Cingles de Bertí', a limestone mountain range spanning several municipalities.
The Sant Miquel waterfall, one of the site's main features, originates from the Tenes River stream.
Excavations in the nearby caves have revealed evidence of human occupation dating back to the Paleolithic period.
The monastery chapel is dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, from which the site takes its name.
The site was historically a place of pilgrimage for locals seeking water during periods of severe drought.
Sant Miquel del Fai is a natural and historical site located within the Cingles de Bertí cliffs in the province of Barcelona. The complex centers on a 15th-century monastery built directly into the rock face near the Tenes river waterfalls. Visitors access the site via a path that passes behind the Sant Miquel waterfall, where the water drops from the limestone cliffs. The area contains several caves, including the Cova de Sant Miquel and the Cova de les Tosques, which feature stalactite and stalagmite formations. The monastery church is built into a natural cave vault, utilizing the cave walls as structural elements. Geological features of the site include conglomerate rock formations characteristic of the Vallès Oriental region. The site serves as a protected natural space integrated into the Catalan network of natural parks. Restoration efforts have focused on maintaining the structural integrity of the historical monastic buildings while preserving the surrounding ecosystem.
The path passing behind the main waterfall offers a unique perspective looking out through the water curtain.
Wear footwear with high-traction soles as paths near the waterfalls are frequently damp and slippery.
Bring a light waterproof jacket or shell to stay dry when walking on the path behind the waterfall.
Check the official Cingles de Bertí park website for trail alerts, as heavy rainfall may lead to temporary path closures.
Do not attempt to climb the rock faces or stray into unmapped cave branches, as these areas are unstable and hazardous.
The site is managed as part of a natural park system and may close during periods of extreme fire risk or severe weather events; confirm status before travel.
Stay strictly on marked paths to protect the fragile cliffside vegetation and cave ecosystems; silence is expected inside the monastery area.
