Vic town, Catalunya
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Vic - by Josep Monter Martinez from Pixabay
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)
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
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo