Besalú town
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Besalú - by Maximilian Kurtius on Unsplash
Description
Besalú was the historical capital of "La Garrotxa" county and is one of Catalonia best preserved medieval towns. The name originates from "Bisuldunum" which referred to a fortress between two rivers (the Fluvià and the Capellades). Highlights include the Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river, the 12th century churches of Sant Pere Monastery and Sant Vicenç, the small Jewish Quarters (Call) and El Miqvé (ritual bathhouse).
Access & Transport
The small town is 23km / 20mins drive southwest of Figueres and 35km / 35mins northwest of Girona. There are a few TEISA buses running the Girona to Besalú route daily - the journey takes about 50'.
Instructions & Recommendations
We recommend combining a visit there with the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres and/or the La Garrotxa natural park
Environmental & Social
The main activities in the town have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy even though there are signs of over-commercialisation
Conclusion
Besalú is a charming medieval village with a comprehensive set of photogenic buildings: a bridge, two main churches with squares, traditional bathes, and a Jewish Quarter. It is one of the best but not the only one in the region so our inclination would be to say that it is worth a detour if you are already in the north-eastern Catalonia quadrant.
Key positive
Beautiful and well-preserved Romanesque bridge
Key negative
Quite touristy
Suitability
Most areas are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:2h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo