An art that endures through time
In the heart of Olot, a century-old tradition clings to life. The manufacture of religious images, a trade that once employed over 1,500 people at its peak, has found a new path thanks to the resilience of El Arte Cristiano, the only company that survives in this sector. Founded in 1880 by Marià Vayreda, this firm not only continues to create carvings but also exports them to various corners of the world.
Despite the challenges posed by economic crises, wars, and international competition, Pep Oliveras, the current manager of El Arte Cristiano, assures that after the initial impact of the covid-19 pandemic, sales have begun to stabilise. “We have noticed an increase in requests for children's carvings,” comments Oliveras, referring particularly to the interest coming from Andalusia, where religious devotion is notable.
The current production is carried out by a small team of 15 workers, far from the hundred that it employed at its height. Each figure takes approximately three months to complete and passes through the expert hands of sculptors and painters before reaching the final customer.
For those interested in learning more about this fascinating industry, the Museu dels Sants, inaugurated in 2007, offers a window into the world of sacred art. This museum is part of the Triangle Sacre, a tourist initiative designed to highlight the local religious and spiritual heritage. Guided tours attract both tourist groups and religious brotherhoods, as well as families eager to learn about this tradition.
Gemma Canalias, the councillor responsible for Business and Tourism in Olot, highlights the growing success of these visits: “We are seeing notable interest from not only local tourists but also international ones.” The combination of culture and religious identity is helping not only to preserve this artisanal tradition but also to boost sectors such as hospitality and catering in Garrotxa.
As time goes on, El Arte Cristiano remains a bastion for local artisans. With each carving created, not only is an ancestral technique kept alive, but also a deep connection to the cultural and spiritual history of the place. In this sense, Olot continues to be a beacon for those seeking to understand the value behind sacred art.
You may also like
