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Vic town, Catalunya

1 Carrer de la Ciutat, Vic, Catalunya

Description

Vic is a town lying in the namesake plain 70km north of Barcelona, equidistant with the Pyrenees. Its history goes back to the Roman period - it was then known as Vicus Ausonae - and it was destroyed by a Muslim incursion towards the end of the 8th century. If was repopulated a few decades afterwards when it moved within the orbit of the count of Barcelona. In more recent history it was one of the initial cities where the rebellion that became the War of Spanish Succession took place in the early 18th century. Highlights include its Plaza Mayor, a Roman Temple, the Episcopal Museum, the Queralt bridge and the Cathedral de Sant Pere. Trivia: the town as a very cold climate in the winter with persistent fog caused by a thermal inversion.

Access & Transport

The town is a 60-70mins drive away (70km) from Barcelona on the C-33 / C-17. It is also on the R-3 regional train line. From Girona, it is a 1h drive on the C-25 and that route is also serviced by some bus operators.

Instructions & Recommendations

The town can be used as the perfect break on a journey from Barcelona or Girona towards the Pyrenees, also taking in the Ripoll monastery on the way (37km north of Vic)

Meta review

Another Catalan town that is relatively unknown beyond the Spanish borders and that delights most visitors. Coming in, travellers have high expectations from the Plaça Major but little from other buildings. The Square gets positive review for its originality, surrounded by a mix if architectural styles and with several nice shops and restaurants. The Episcopal Museum is highly recommended for being surprisingly engaging and for its rich collection of Romanesque artworks. Finally, most visitors were really impressed with the interior of the Catedral de Sant Pere de Vic, the columns and the decoration in black, gold and crimson. The twice-weekly market on the other hand gets seems to be a little disappointing for a fair number of people.

Environmental & Social

The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy

Conclusion

Vic makes for the perfect stop transitioning between the Pyrenees and Catalunya's coastal areas or Girona. We think most people will find it worth a 60-90mins drive. The Episcopal Museum and the Plaza Major are the main draws, not A-list tourist highlights but definitely worth including in any regional in-depth/slow travel itinerary.

Key positive

A mix of things to see / visit in a compact area

The episcopal museum has very extensive collections

Key negative

A little time consuming to get there

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. Most areas and buildings are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility (the episcopal museum has a lift)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:3h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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