Discover Cistella
Accommodation in Cistella
Cistella is an appealing destination for travellers who consider architectural history, scenery and outdoor activities when choosing where to go. The town combines a historic centre with the Mare de DĂ©u de Vida sanctuary; Vilaritg, two mountain biking routes and the Bread Market add further highlights. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Cistella, you can match these different themes to your own travel plans.
Historic centre and architecture
Cistella’s old town has preserved its urban layout from the 16th and 17th centuries with only a few changes. The Romanesque portal of the church of Santa Maria de Cistella has five stepped round-arch archivolts and four columns with elaborately carved capitals. Santa Maria also preserves a significant sculptural ensemble on the portal and at a window. The historic urban fabric, portal architecture and sculpture offer different points of interest if you are interested in the town’s architectural history.
Mare de DĂ©u de Vida sanctuary
The Mare de DĂ©u de Vida sanctuary was built in 1429 in honour of Saint Michael. It was completely remodelled in the 17th century; only the apse remains from the original building. The structure thus brings together its early origins and a later, extensive remodelling. The sanctuary offers wide-ranging views over much of the EmpordĂ and the village of Cistella. The Mas Vida Celler winery is located beside the hermitage, within the municipality of Cistella.
Vilaritg and Sant MartĂ
The village of Vilaritg lies on a hill in the upper reaches of the Riera de Vilaritg. It retains an old-world character and traditional architectural features in buildings dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The church of Sant MartĂ in Vilaritg has been documented since 1151 and preserves Romanesque fragments. Alongside the village’s character, individual historic buildings are also a focus: Sant MartĂ’s long documentary history and surviving Romanesque fragments add a distinct historical dimension to Vilaritg’s traditional architecture.
Two mountain biking routes with different courses
The MTB Trail 20 Cistella–Lladó is 13.93 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and laid out as a circuit. You can start it in Cistella or Lladó. The route links mountain, plain and river landscapes. The MTB Trail 22 Cistella–Vilarig–Terrades follows the GR-2 to Vilarig, then returns to Cistella from the west on a gentle descent. The routes therefore offer different points of reference when choosing a ride: Trail 20 has a clearly defined length, difficulty rating and circuit, while the GR-2 section and return to Cistella shape the course of Trail 22.
Bread Market in spring
Cistella holds the Bread Market every spring. Various types of bread, local cured meats, cheese and handicrafts are available to buy. If you want to include the market in your travel plans, check the specific event dates in advance. This lets you consider the seasonal market as a reason to visit in its own right, alongside architecture, scenery and cycling routes.
Discover more destinations: L’escala, Verges, Sant Gregori, Sant Climent Sescebes, Ribes De Freser, Torroella De Montgri, Llambilles, Flaçà .
View the wider travel guide: Girona.
