Besalu tourist information

Fourteen kms north of Banyoles is the striking little town of Besalu. From the road, the imposing eleventh-century fortified bridge by the confluence of the Fluviá and Capellada rivers is the only indication that there is something remarkable about Besalù. But once in town youll realize youre in a medieval settlement as yet almost untainted by tourism. Besalu was an important town from Roman times, and when the Moors were expelled from this corner of Spain in the ninth century, it was one of the first independent counties that arose to fill the vacuum. Despite a total population of just eight hundred it prospered, as it had done in a small way since the Romans, and remained a place of importance well into the fourteenth century. In appearance the town remains almost completely medieval, boasting some monuments quite out of proportion to its current humble status. Imporant monuments worth a vist include - aside from the impressive but somewhat over-restored fortified bridge with seven irregular arches(see photo 1) - the Mikva, or the ritualistic twelfth-century Jewish bath-house, the Romanesque church of Santa Vicenç (1018), the ruins of Romanesque Santa María in a fenced-in area on a rise overlooking the village, the 11C Hospital, and the late 12C monastery of San Pedro. Weekly market on Tuesdays. The church and monsatery of Sant Pere (see photo 2). Check out the selection of locally produced sausages at Juncá, Major 21, or at Can Clotas at Ganadell 18. Fiesta mayor on September 24.

If you care to take in a spectacular mountain view that, on clear days - and best in the early mornings - encompasses all the western Pyrenees to the Cap de Creus and the Gulf of Roses, drive 13 km east from Besalu on the C260 towards Figueres and turn north at the sign indicating la Mare de Déu del Mont and the little chapel at Sous. The newly paved 12 km climb is easy, making it truly worth the effort.

Vist this lovely town of Girona and look for a nice holiday home in the list of www.spain-holiday.com by clicking on the link to the holiday homes on this page. Enjoy your stay in Catalunya!