Sadernes – historic routes and karst landscape

When visiting Sadernes, you can explore historic buildings, memorial sites and natural features as distinct points of interest. They range from Castell Sespasa, dating from the 9th to 10th centuries, to the karst formations between Sadernes and the former Farga. For your planning, it is also important to check the specific route and access conditions.

History in buildings and along routes

Castell Sespasa was a pre-feudal complex dating from the 9th to 10th centuries. The foundations of a rectangular tower and part of a wall remain. Castell Sespasa lies on the route from Sadernes to Bassegoda; the Sadernes–Puig de Bassegoda route also passes the ruins. The castle also features a distinctive rock face with climbing routes.

The church of Sant Aniol d’Aguja, a Romanesque building from the 11th century, is nearby. In 1983, it was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Below the church lies the Cova de l’Abat, a crypt carved into the rock. The building and crypt give the area a clear cultural and historical focus.

Behind the apse of Santa Cecília de Sadernes, a marker belonging to the network of memorial sites commemorates the passage of Spanish Republican refugees in the winter of 1939. Another trace of the history of exile is the old medieval route from Sadernes to Sant Llorenç de Cerdans via the Hostal de la Muga. It served as a route into exile. The marker commemorates a specific historical event; the old route shows the historic function of a path.

Karst formations between Sadernes and the former Farga

The geological section between Sadernes and the former Farga lies within the protected natural area of Alta Garrotxa. This section has swallow holes, where water seeps into the aquifer, as well as limestone karren formed by the chemical dissolution of the rock. These two features represent different processes: water seeps in through the swallow holes, while the limestone changes through dissolution.

Cova de la Guitlla is a natural cave beside the path along this section. Here, you can encounter both karst features and a named cave along the path.

Routes and visitor information

The Sadernes–Sant Aniol d’Aguja route passes through rugged, forested terrain with no services, springs or mobile phone reception. It is marked with orange and green trail markers, as well as the yellow markers of Itinerànnia. Take the lack of services and reception into account when planning; do not rely on mobile phone coverage on this route.

The Sadernes–Puig de Bassegoda route starts on the path beside the church of Santa Cecília de Sadernes. Near Pont de Valentí, a G40 marker on the Itinerànnia trail network points towards Route 5 to Bassegoda. These waypoints indicate different locations: the route starts at the church, while the wayfinding sign is at Pont de Valentí.

Canyoning in the area along the central Sant Aniol and les Canals axis is limited to 70 people per week. Check the current permit requirements before setting out.

During the applicable period, Sadernes car park is the only designated car park for visitors to the Vall de Sant Aniol. From there, you must continue on foot or by bicycle. Check the current access conditions before travelling.

For the broader travel overview: Sales De Llierca.