Besalú: Architecture and Walking Routes

Besalú can be explored in different ways: you can walk through the lanes of the historic center, while individual buildings with Romanesque and Gothic features offer distinct architectural highlights. There is also an interpretation center about the town’s history, walking routes, and recurring events. When planning your stay, it is therefore worth considering whether you are most interested in the architecture, walking routes, or a particular event.

Buildings and historical connections

The façade of Sant Julià features six archivolts and four capitals. Three capitals depict animals; the fourth features Corinthian acanthus leaves. The Gothic hall of the Cúria Reial preserves a wooden ceiling from the 14th century and magnificent pointed arches. A Romanesque bridge in Besalú has been documented since the 11th century. These examples offer different architectural highlights: façade details, a Gothic hall ceiling with pointed arches, and a bridge with historical significance.

The historical sites also differ in their dates of foundation and functions. The former monastery of Sant Pere de Besalú was founded in 977. The church and hospice of Sant Julià date from the 12th century and were founded by the Counts of Besalú to provide for pilgrims. Sant Pere is therefore notable as the site of a former monastery, while Sant Julià is notable for its church and hospice, which provided for pilgrims.

The Mikvé and the town’s history

The Mikvé of Besalú is an underground Romanesque chamber built of dressed stone. Its features include a slit window facing east, a barrel vault, and a basin. A barrel vault is a type of vault that extends lengthwise. The Mikvé may be one of the ten best-preserved examples of its kind in Europe. While other buildings are notable for their façades, halls, or a bridge, this description focuses on a single underground chamber and its architectural features.

Espai Besalú is an interpretation center about the town’s history, from its origins to the present day. The program may change; check the latest information if you are planning a visit. The Besalú tourist office provides maps and information for exploring independently. If you would like to use this service for your planning, check the latest information in advance.

Walks through the lanes and along the river

You can explore Besalú’s historic center on foot along lanes that lead to a significant medieval architectural heritage. One clearly defined option is Route No. 1: it runs from Portal dels Horts via Font del Molí and Ronda Fluvial to Pla de Can Batlle. The route is 5 km long, has a low difficulty level, and barely any change in elevation. This gives you the choice between a walk through the lanes and a named route with a specific distance. As trail conditions may change, check them before setting out.

Gardens along Besalú’s riverside path provide a pleasant setting for walks and views. This adds another walking option by the river to the lanes of the historic center and the clearly described route.

Events as a reason to travel

Besalú Medieval has been held every year since 1987 on the last weekend of August. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the dates and program for your chosen year; both may change. The Fira de la Ratafia includes the selection of Besalú’s best ratafia of the year. If you are interested in events, you can include these two occasions as different highlights in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Garriguella, Vilallonga De Ter, Madremanya, Sant Julià De Ramis, Sant Miquel de Cladells, Castelló D’empúries, Porqueres, Palol d'Onyar

For the main travel overview: Girona.