Orfes between churches, river and trails

Orfes brings together ecclesiastical history, a chapel linked to the plague and a stretch of river along the Fluvià. Santa Maria d’Orfes, the Capella de Sant Roc and the Resclosa d’Orfes point to different aspects of the village. There are also two routes with distinct layouts: a circular route and a signposted trail between Orfes and Canelles.

Churches, chapel and past traditions

Santa Maria d’Orfes and its parish are documented as far back as 1146. The neoclassical church was built between 1762 and 1771. The dates refer to different things: 1146 relates to the recorded history of the church and parish, while 1762 to 1771 marks the construction period of the neoclassical church building. The style places the building in an architectural context, while the reference to the parish takes us back to the village’s earlier history.

The Capella de Sant Roc d’Orfes stands on a small hill above the village. It was built in connection with the plague, which hit this area particularly hard in the 17th century. The chapel is in ruins; its walls and vaulted arches remain. The Creu de Can Gay d’Orfes is also part of the village’s religious heritage; it was formerly used to bless the municipal area. Sant Roc thus evokes the history of the plague and a specific state of preservation, while the Creu recalls a former community tradition.

River landscape and water engineering

The Resclosa d’Orfes lies in a shady riverside landscape surrounded by fields and is easily reached on foot from Orfes. The structure was used to impound water and divert part of the Fluvià into a canal. The site therefore brings together two aspects: the riverside landscape and the practical management of water. The fields and shady setting frame its water-engineering function. The Resclosa can thus be understood both through its surroundings and its function.

Routes with different layouts

The Ruta per les ribes del Fluvià runs from Plaça major d’Orfes via Carretera d’Orfes and La Resclosa, then returns to Plaça major d’Orfes. It is therefore a route that returns to its starting point and includes the Resclosa in the loop. Plaça major, Carretera d’Orfes and La Resclosa are named as the starting point and intermediate points, making the sequence of the circular route easy to follow. A signposted trail also connects Orfes with Canelles. The practical difference is the route layout: the Ruta returns to Plaça major, while the other trail connects two named places. Trail conditions can change; check the current conditions before setting out.

You can choose your destination based on what interests you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Olives, Vilafreser, Els Galliners

For the overview of the wider area, see: Vilademuls.