Medieval Towns

The towns are testimony to the passage of time, and in La Garrotxa there are very good examples, despite the earthquakes that affected the region in 1427 and 1428. From medieval times to contemporary times, passing through the Jewish legacy, the Renaissance and modernism, the towns of La Garrotxa have a history that must be known.

Medieval route in Sant Joan les Fonts.

The Benedictine monastery, declared a national monument and dating from the 12th century. Its Romanesque baptismal font is notable, with reliefs and its majesty

The medieval bridge that connects the old town of San Juan with the parish church and the Castanyé area is also from the same period. A few meters from the bridge, stands the oldest civil Romanesque building in Catalonia. It is the Juvinyà Castle, a fortified manor house that in 1972 was declared a Monument of National Interest. After the extensive remodeling to which it was subjected, the castle is now the Interpretation Center of the Territory of Sant Joan les Fonts.

Medieval route: ACCOMPANIED AND GUIDED TOURS:
Information and reservations turisme@santjontlesfonts.cat or Tel. 972 29 05 07.

Villa Condal de Besalú

Besalú was the seat of an important independent county. It has a medieval historical-artistic complex considered one of the best preserved in Catalonia. Part of this complex is the old church of the Montestir de Sant Pere from the 12th century, the church of Sant Vicents from the 12th century, the façade of the old hospital church of Sant Julià from the 12th century; the Casa de Cornellà, a Romanesque monument from the 12th century and the Gothic room of the Royal Curia. The entire Jewish neighborhood stands out, and especially the Micvé or ritual bathhouse of Besalú from the 12th century.

The majestic Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river is another of the vestiges of the County of Besalú. Besalú must be valued not only for the monuments, but also for the medieval air offered by its streets full of memories.

The tourist office has audio guides with audio description for people with visual difficulties. Guided tours Tel. 972591240

Santa Pau

Santa Pau, we can say that it is the municipality in the heart of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, since it has points of interest such as the Santa Margarita volcano, the Croscat volcano or the Fageda d'en Jordà

The town preserves the enclosure of the old town intact, with a very marked medieval appearance and characteristics. The Plaza Mayor or Firal dels Bous stands out: a porticoed plaza with an irregular profile and unequal arches, which has an undeniable personality, and which is located in the surroundings of the castle, a large, compact and robust building that stands at the highest point. from town.

Gastronomically speaking, the name of the city is associated with the delicious Santa Pau fesols (beans) with designation of origin and which you cannot miss!

Castellfollit de la Roca

The narrow streets of the town lead to the old church of San Salvador, at the end of the cliff, where there is a viewpoint with privileged views.

Castellfollit de la Roca is one of the gateways to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

The old neighborhood is located on a basaltic wall, formed by two superimposed lava flows.

For those with a sweet tooth, you should try the huge and delicious Cal Tuset muffins!