The Girona Pyrenees are located in the northeast of Catalonia. In addition to the varied landscapes, mountain peaks and magical valleys, there are important architectural and artistic monuments, buildings and remains, ancient towns and magnificent Jewish touches dating back to the Renaissance period. These are all part of the fascinating historical heritage of the Pyrenees.
Besalú – How the Jewish Made Their Mark
The old village of Besalú is just half an hour’s drive from Girona, the capital of the province of the same name. As far back as the sixth century, Besalú was settled by Celtic tribes. In the ninth century, a fort was built in its territory with the Latin name Bisoldonom, from which the name Besalú comes. From that time on the village was ruled by various peoples until the victory of the Spaniards over the army of the French Empire at Besalú in the 19th century during the Spanish War of Independence.
From the 9th century to the 13th century there was a large Jewish presence in Besalú, in fact a quarter of the village’s population was Jewish. During archaeological excavations carried out in 1964, a ritual bath (mikveh) from the 12th century was discovered, and next to it the remains of a synagogue. This is a very important archaeological relic. Up until now, only two purification ritual baths have been discovered in Spain.
When exploring this small medieval village, you will not fail to notice a Romanesque bridge from the 12th century, built over the River Fluvià with a number of arches. This bridge had previously served as the gateway entrance, where a toll was collected from those who wished to enter the village. We recommend a wander through the alleyways and shops, and of course through the Jewish Quarter of Besalú.
The Town of Santa Pau – Historic Heritage Site
The town of Santa Pau lies in the Garrotxa region. Approximately 81 per cent of its land is a volcanic area and even the town itself is surrounded by a number of dormant volcanoes. This is a town from the 13th century, seeped in history going back centuries, and all around you will feel its medieval heritage. In fact, the very existence of the old town walls will take you straight back to the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Santa Pau is located near the town of Olot and as you come closer to the town before you will see rise up impressively in the distance the Castell De La Baronia De Santa Pau.
The town of Santa Pau is built centered on the castle, which was built in the 12th century, around the old town square – Placeta dels Valls. It is highly recommended to explore the charming narrow streets and the fascinating buildings, in all their architectural richness. From the main street of the town, called Sa Cot, you can reach several interesting medieval churches. Furthermore, if you continue walking along this street, you will come to the volcanic crater Santa Margarida, in the heart of which is an old church. Santa Pau was recognized as world historical heritage in 1971.
Website: www.santapau.cat
The Romanesque Church of Santa Maria de Ripoll
The first church built in Catalonia is in the village of Ripoll in the region of Ripollès, another county in the Girona Pyrenees. In fact, Ripoll itself is considered a noteworthy village in the history and identity of Catalonia. The church of Santa Maria de Ripoll was built as a monastery in the 9th century, with its visible Romanesque architectural style, and at the time served as the main religious center of Catalonia.
In 1428 the church was damaged severely by an earthquake and massive reconstruction work had to be undertaken, which included new parts that were built in the Gothic style. In addition, the church was used as a center of learning, thanks to the great library that was here. It was officially inaugurated as a church in 1896. The portal of the church, built in the 12th century, is very inspiring with its sculpted reliefs depicting biblical scenes. Enter the church and pass through the different aisles to the main stage. The beautiful green gardens within the church are also worth a look.
Address: Plaza de l’Abat Oliba s/n 17500, Ripoll
Website: www.visitaripoll.com
The Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes – The Place and the Legend
Sant Pere de Rodes is a monastery built in the 10th century in the Porte de la Selva (El Port de la Selva) area on Mount Verdera, about 250 meters above sea level. The monastery was founded by monks of the Benedictine Order and was declared a national culture site, due to it being the best example of Romanesque architecture in Girona. To this day, neither the origin of the monastery nor the reasons for its construction are known.
According to legend, Christians arrived in the Gulf of Llançà along with other martyrs, seeking refuge as they fled from barbarian tribes that had invaded the empire. After the danger had passed, Pope Bonifaci the fourth ordered them to build a monastery there.
Several years later, huge walls and two towers were constructed for defense around this imposing monastery. Today, visitors to the monastery are sure to find it a wonderful and enriching experience and, of course, it offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Llançà and the National Park of Cap de Creus. This is one of the most important and popular attractions in the area.
Address: Camí del Monestir, s/n, 17489 El Port de la Selva, Girona
Beget – Architecture, Heritage and Medieval History
The tiny town of Beget, located in the valley of Camprodon, was recognized in 1983 as a historical heritage site. The church of Sant Cristòfol is located in Beget – remains from the 10th century and the Romanesque period. Inside the church there is a carved wooden statue of Christ, almost three meters in height, which is one of the most beautiful in all of Catalonia. The church itself has been recognized as a national heritage site since 1931.
Aside from the historic and important church, the town of Beget has other fascinating architectural qualities that have been preserved over the years, such as stone houses with heavy wooden doors that can be found around the church. In addition, the town also boasts beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, fruit of its location at the confluence of the River Beget, at the bottom of the Camprodon valley. Without doubt, a stroll through the charming alleyways of the town will make you feel like you have gone back in time to the Middle Ages. Please note that you cannot enter the town by car.
Website: www.costabrava.com/parish-church
The Ancient Monastery El Carme – The Peak of the Renaissance
The old monastery of El Carme was built in 1565 in the village of Olot in the Garrotxa county. The monastery was designed by the architect Llàtzer Cisterna and has a church.
There is no doubt that the monastery itself is the paramount architectural structure in Olot and one of the most important monuments of the Renaissance period in Catalonia. The building itself has two floors, and inside you can appreciate the arches around the central courtyard. While exploring the village of Olot, you will notice this construction standing out for its orange and yellow painted facade. Inside, you can admire the church, and of course do not forget to explore the inner courtyard of the building. The village of Olot is just an hour and a half drive from Barcelona and is known as an area covered with dormant volcanoes.
Address: C. Pare Antoni Soler, 1-3 17800 Olot
“Call” in Girona – The Heart of the Jewish Heritage and Community
The village of Girona is known as the birthplace and residence of the Ramban and to this day has one of the most important Jewish quarters in Catalonia. The Jewish touch is felt in every corner of the quarter, where the Jewish Museum (Museu d’Història dels Jueus) is located. The museum displays the history of the Jewish communities in Catalonia, with explanations and illustrations of the Jewish community’s life in Girona.
Furthermore, the museum complex has classrooms and at the end of the museum tour we recommend you go down to the patio where you are sure to notice a giant Star of David embedded in the floor.
The Jewish Quarter is called the “Call”, from the Hebrew word “public” and is undoubtedly one of the most important quarters of Girona city. Wandering the alleys of the Quarter will give you a glimpse into the life in the Middle Ages, during which a large, meaningful and glorious Jewish community was present here. During your wander, take in the old street – Carrer de la Força, which was central and important at the time, and around which the rest of the Quarter was built.