Campelles: History and Mountain Landscapes

When looking for a hotel in Campelles, it helps to plan your stay around your interests: the town’s history is reflected in a medieval tower and an old church, while caves, routes and views across the Vall de Ribes offer a focus on the landscape. The festivals also provide a glimpse into local life. This can help you decide which of these themes matter most to you as you plan your trip.

Towers and Churches with a Long History

Torre de Campelles is a medieval fortified tower documented in records dating back to the 11th century. Archaeological investigations have also identified phases of construction and use at the site from the 14th to the 19th century. The tower has been restored and can be climbed via a ramp. If you are planning a visit, check access locally in advance.

The history of Església de Sant Martí de Campelles also goes back about 1,000 years: the church was founded around that time and was fortified from the 13th century onwards. Around the year 1000, it was a Romanesque building with a single altar, a tower and a bell tower. Its history spans from the Romanesque church built around the year 1000 to its fortification from the 13th century onwards.

A fire during the Guerra Gran (1793–1795), caused by French troops, marked another turning point. Església de Sant Martí was subsequently rebuilt and rededicated in 1799. The Capella de Sant Bartomeu del Baell is also located in El Baell: the 40-square-metre church was built in 1772.

Caves, Views and Trails

Les Coves de Ribes are deep natural cavities in a narrow gorge that opens onto the Vall de Ribes. Campelles also offers views across practically the entire valley. The caves and the panorama provide different perspectives: the gorge with its cavities on the one hand, and sweeping views across the Vall de Ribes on the other.

If you are most interested in a hermitage and viewpoints, the De Campelles a Sant Antoni i els miradors de Ribes route leads to Ermita de Sant Antoni and two viewpoints overlooking the Vall de Ribes. The Campelles-la Covil-Campelles route offers a different landscape, passing through the shaded section of the Montgrony mountain range.

At the hut in the meadow of Pla de Prats, this second route includes a recreational area where you can rest. Refugi de Pla de Prats is an unstaffed mountain refuge in the forest of Campelles, at an altitude of 1,559 metres. Refugi de la Covil is also unstaffed and lies at the foot of Mount Covil, at 1,770 metres. The elevations and distinct landscape features can help you choose the local sights and routes that best match your interests.

Festivals Throughout the Year

The Festa Major de Campelles takes place at Pentecost. The Festa de Sant Martí is another, smaller local festival in Campelles. Its events include a festival address, bell ringing, a botifarra sausage competition, activities for children and other leisure options, as well as a communal dinner, dancing and a solemn Mass.

The two festivals offer different ways to plan your trip: Pentecost provides the timing for the Festa Major, while the Festa de Sant Martí can be characterised by its community and festive activities. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ripoll, Ullastret, La Cometa, Figueres, Sarriá De Ter, Fortià, La Pinya, Sales De Llierca

For the broader travel overview: Girona.