Discover Castellfollit de la Roca

Castellfollit de la Roca brings together a striking basalt landscape and the Barri Vell, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. You can choose different points of focus when selecting this destination: the views across the Fluvià Valley, the route of Itinerari 13, or the historic buildings and rural traces built from basalt. The landscape, route and architectural history reveal different sides of the town.

Basalt cliff and views across the Fluvià Valley

The basalt cliff of Castellfollit de la Roca is about 40 metres high and almost a kilometre long. From the Josep Pla viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views across the Fluvià Valley. The cliff is one of the most geologically and scenically interesting places in the nature park.

Its formation dates back to two superimposed lava flows. The first flowed down from the Batet area through the Fluvià Valley about 217,000 years ago. About 192,000 years ago, the second followed from the Toronell Valley on the other side and covered the first. The different source valleys and dates give the cliff’s geological history a clear sequence: the younger flow lies above the older one.

The route of Itinerari 13

Itinerari 13 begins at kilometre 45.2 of the road from Girona to Olot (GE-522), near the junction with the road to Oix (GEV-5221). From there, the path follows the riverbank through gardens. It crosses the river via a wooden footbridge and the Turonell via a small bridge. It then follows the paved Camí Vell to the church of Sant Salvador. In this way, the route links sections along the riverbank and through gardens with two different crossings and a paved stretch leading to its destination.

Barri Vell and Sant Salvador

In the Barri Vell, medieval origins meet a style of construction in which local stone is prominent. The streets are narrow and shady; most of the houses were built from volcanic rock. Here, basalt is present not only as a large landscape feature, but also in the architectural character of the neighbourhood.

The old church of Sant Salvador was built in the 11th or early 12th century. The church is designed in the Renaissance style and preserves a Romanesque window. Knowledge of Sant Salvador dates back to the 13th century. Its construction date, architectural design and historical record therefore point to different historical references.

Further traces of the town’s history

In the Middle Ages, Castellfollit was a barony that included Sant Joan les Fonts, Begudà, Montagut and Castellar de la Muntanya. The rural infrastructure also shows how basalt was used as a building material: the Camí de la Rossolada – horts includes retaining walls, paved paths, stairs, steps, gates, enclosures, huts and drainage channels made from local basalt.

Another architectural trace is Pont Trencat. The bridge dates from 1908 and was not rebuilt after the 1940 flood; instead, the present-day bridge was built. An industrial trace of the town is an active basalt quarry, operated by the Ortiz family since 1929.

A museum displays weapons, uniforms, photographs, conflict posters, medical equipment and personal documents, as well as a small piece of the fuselage of a North American aircraft. Individual exhibits may change. Together with the churches, basalt cliff and rural structures, this collection offers another cultural perspective on Castellfollit de la Roca.

Discover more destinations: Sant Feliu De Pallerols, Cruïlles, Palol d'Onyar, Sant Julià De Ramis, Agullana, Esponellà, Mieres, Das

For the wider travel overview: Girona.