Walking by stone villages of Gerona

We have made a selection of medieval villages that are exactly in the counties of Girona, La Garrotxa and Baix Empordà, that you adentréis and be led by towns or major cities built stone upon stone, which gives to the streets a grayish tone.

A feasible route at any time of year and that can adapt according to your preferences!

The average age, a golden age of Catalonia

The year 1000, approximately, is a remarkable date in Catalan history as it is when the birth of Catalonia is located with its own distinct identity from other regions that existed at the time. Catalan independence arose from the breaking of the covenant of allegiance of the Frankish king by Borrell II, Marquess of Catalonia and grandson of Wilfred the Hairy. Also, it was in this century when the counties were independent. At least until the fifteenth century.

Counties were created to ensure the defense of the Hispanic brand from Al-Andalus and the emperors could not personally take charge of the territory and thus, these fractions territory was administered by a Count. At that time, Old Catalonia was divided into six counties; one of them of Girona - Besalu .

It is understood as the Old Catalonia region of Catalonia adopted the name initially. This territory consisted of the northern part of Catalonia until Llobregat, Anoia, the Segre and Montserrat.

County Girona

As discussed above, one of the counties that was created in the eighth century was the county Besalu - Girona which subsequently (late eleventh century) were separated. County Girona going from the Mediterranean Sea to the Montseny and Tordera.

The route that we present this month began in the city of Girona. And to do that we have to emphasize the figure of a historical figure and King of the Franks in the year 768 and 814, Charlemagne, who was awarded the conquest, symbolic of the territories that are located in the southern Pyrenees. Exactly, it was 785 when Girona passed under his power.

There are live samples that indicate the presence of this in Girona , such as the Tower of Charlemagne (Romanesque bell tower of the Cathedral of Girona) and chair of Charlemagne.

But, before visiting these two elements we recommend that you approach the walls that are in the southern side of Onyar should follow uniform and lanes of the city. The wall is built of stone known Girona, which is a type of limestone that was removed from the quarries that were located, formerly the village environment.

This stone is also the main facade i made ??the steps of the cathedral, the stone bridge, the palace of the Agullana, among other buildings.

Also, if you visit this city during the month of May you can enjoy the decorated streets of different flowers and held annually party "in Girona Flower Festival" (Gerona in times of flowers).

The medieval villages of the zone

After visiting the city of Girona we head to Santa Pau (Garrotxa). We will move through the National Highway N-IIA, which will link later with the region C-66.

Santa Pau spot was part of Besalu . The latter was in the eighth century of the county of Girona which in the ninth century it became independent.

The village lies in the middle of the Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa. But this time, no talk of Santa Margarida volcano or Fageda Jorda but we will focus on the medieval town itself is worth visiting, but if after a walk through the village, you have time and you have desire, you can make a stroll by the natural environment.

See the route Volcanoes and other charms of Garrotxa.

The medieval Barony of Santa Pau was declared historical artistic in 1970. Here we can enjoy the tranquility that conveys its arcaded main square, known as Firal of Bous, which is chaired by the Gothic church of Santa Maria. The houses in the vicinity of the square are attached to the wall. This time, too, is worth visiting his great castle square, which has become a symbol of Santa Pau .

After enjoying this town retains its medieval walled structure and that of its streets have been spending so many years, we drive to the medieval Catalan town par excellence, Besalu . To do this we take the CI-524 road and then the A-26.

This county people born since the establishment of the castle atop Mount Besalu Santa Maria. Subsequently, the city was wearing with other buildings within the city walls; such as the famous bridge of Besalu which gave access to the town, the church of the Monastery of Sant Pere, the Royal Curia (which reveals the great political power tube in this medieval town), the Llaudes House, the Plaza Mayor Call Jew and the mikva (Jewish baths).

In Besalu also have to highlight the presence of Count Tallaferro, who left their mark on this town and where today we find a street that bears his name. We forget to walk there!

The footprint of the stone in the Baix Empordà

The Baix Empordà also offers beautiful spots created and built with stone, L'Estartit is one example.

The old center of L'Estartit is surrounded by walls, which are preserved various parts such as the tower Bruixes them (the Witches) and the gate of Santa Caterina. At the heart of Torroella Queen Square, focal point of the town. This arcaded square and several streets meet are located the city hall and the baroque chapel of Sant Antoni.

One of the streets that are tripping over themselves in the Plaza Mayor are Main Street and Church Street, hosting sections along its major buildings (the house Hospital, Sastregener home ...).

Also, Torroella , as was common in medieval times, has a castle, the castle of Montgrí. This rises up the mountain Estartit.

In this region, too, we will recommend you to visit the village of Palau-Sator, a town where it seems that time has stopped. Palau-Sator, has also preserved the medieval layout of your old kernel. Today, still, we can see the route of the wall. If we go into the old town through the Tower of the Hours and we walked down the street of Portal, arrived at the Castle Square where the declared National Cultural Interest building rises.

Initially, this castle was built atop a small hill that eventually became the center of village.

Back to Gironès by Madremanya

The following people characterized by the stone, that we recommend this route is Madremanya in Gironès.

But before reaching the latter town is advisable to stop at Sant Martí Vell, another town that retains its typical medieval organization, as most of those who have known it. Visiting this you can see that was a town rich in water as there are multiple sources in the corners of your term.

Madremanya noted for its church dedicated to Sant Esteve and cobbled streets that move around. It is quite advisable to walk down the street or the creu of mosques (flies), among others.

In the latter town, too, is the district must Padró, that name in this area why stone traditional offerings found.