Characters linked to the Vall

Josep Pla i Casadevall (Palafrugell 1897-Llofriu 1981)

Considered one of the most important writers of the twentieth century Catalan literature, the complete works of Josep Pla, with 47 volumes, are known for the diversity of genres that the writer and journalist developed from an early age.

Pla was a great travel writer, favored for its work as a correspondent and editor at various newspapers and magazines, which include The Advertising, Voice of Catalonia and the sun of Madrid. Indeed, his desire to see and know the country and its people led him to the valley Llémena in September 1971, collecting their stay in the book "A little world of the Pyrenees".

Miquel Martí i Pol (Roda de Ter 1929 - Vic 2003)

Miquel Martí i Pol was not born in Sant Gregori and neither lived here, but the several times he visited St. Gregory on the occasion of tributes were enough to earn the love and remembrance of the population of St. Gregory.

The relationship with St. Gregory began in July 1992, when Martí i Pol signed an agreement with the City for the creation of a documentation center to capture his work and other related documents, as well as a space for other study authors. On 13 November 1993 the City Library was named Miquel Martí i Pol as a tribute to the writer. In 1994 the poet returned to St. Gregory for the inauguration of the place Martí i Pol square.

Rafael Masó i Valentí (Girona 1880-1935)

He became an architect of the greatest exponents of modernism, especially of the "Noucentisme" in Girona city and its region.

The influence of his work is widely reflected in his hometown and in other towns of the province, with major works such as La Farinera Teixidor, The Battle Houses, Ensesa and Teixidor in Girona, the house Masramon in Olot and the Cooperative of Palafrugell among many others.

The area of St. Gregory, Domeny, Canet d'Adri and Rocacorba were places very often visited by Masó. Therefore there are several documents and drawings of farmhouses in Cartellà and Taialà, as well as illustrations and sketches of the house Mas Bru, the house of Rafael's wife. 

As an architect, Rafael Maso was designed in 1909 by St. Gregory School. In Canet d'Adri took part in the renovation and restoration of the church of Adri (1931-1935).

Rodolf Hereu i Matas (Louisiana 1860-1957)

Rodolf Hereu is known as the father of vascular surgery. He was born in Louisiana in 1860, where he lived most of his life. Although he was originally from the valley, it seems that the origins of the family came from Canet d'Adri (Arnau, 1993). His parents emigrated to America before his birth.

Following the career of his father, in 1880 he obtained his doctorate in medicine in New Orleans and in 1886 he was appointed professor of surgery. He worked 50 years at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and worked in the medical department of Tulane University in New Orleans. He is recognized internationally for his research into the aneurysm, as well as its contribution in other fields such as yellow fever, or intensive care.