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Besalú town

Plaça del Prat de Sant Pere, Besalú, Catalunya

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

Meta review

The bridge and Sant Pere church draw a lot of positive reviews from visitors who confirm that the village is indeed worth a detour / special day trip when in Girona or even potentially from as far as Barcelona. The main recurring negative issue pointed out is the commercial aspect with many shops selling overpriced tacky souvenirs.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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