Sant Julià De Ramis: Archaeology and River Landscape

In Sant Julià De Ramis, the Roman fortress of Castellum Fractum, the Sants Metges complex and the landscape along the Ter represent different sides of the town. The sights and trails described here offer specific points of interest.

Castellum Fractum and its archaeological layers

Castellum Fractum was built between the mid-4th and early 5th centuries AD on an Iberian settlement dating from the 6th century BC. These dates refer to different historical periods at this site: the Iberian settlement and the later Roman fortress. Castellum Fractum is an open-air archaeological site that has been developed as a museum and is open to visitors.

A walking tour links the Iberian settlement, the Roman fortress and the early Christian chapel of Sants Metges. This brings several historical sites together in one itinerary, rather than limiting the visit to the fortress alone. Anyone interested in archaeology can explore the different parts of the site as a connected visit. Both the older settlement and the Roman fortification are part of the site’s history.

Sants Metges: complex, church and sarcophagus

The medieval Sants Metges complex is situated on a ridge above the former uninhabited town centre. Sants Metges Church has been restored; the work was completed in 1997 and aimed to restore its original Romanesque structure. Here, the history of the medieval complex meets the story of the church’s restoration.

The sarcophagus’s location can also be traced over time: today, it is inside the parish church of Sants Metges in Sant Julià de Ramis. In 1972, it was still in the church cemetery, near the original entrance. These location details provide a specific point of reference for learning about the religious building and its history. If you are interested in historic buildings, the church and complex complement the archaeological sites at Castellum Fractum with another focal point.

Trails through the landscape along the Ter

The Route pel congost i la muntanya de Sant Julià de Ramis follows a path along the Ter River to the summit of Sant Julià mountain. There are interpretive panels along the route. The path passes through cultivated land and poplar groves, as well as forests of holm oaks and chestnut trees and areas with Aleppo pines. Birds are a particular highlight along the Ter.

The Congost del Ter is a natural river passage with sections of ecological value. In places, the river’s natural dynamics remain relatively undisturbed. The river landscape and the route description thus emphasize different aspects: the route leads from the riverbank to the summit, while the description of the Congost focuses on the natural river passage and its ecological characteristics. If you are planning a hike, the panels and changing landscape features offer specific points of interest along the way.

Hiking and the Festa Major

The Festa Major includes the Marxa dels Sants Metges, a hike to Sant Julià mountain and the church of Sant Cosme and Sant Damià, known as Sants Metges. This tradition dates back to 1980. The hike offers a dedicated occasion to experience the mountain and the church as destinations on a shared route. If you would like to combine your trip with the Festa Major, check the dates in advance.

Getting there and finding your way around

The TEISA Girona–Banyoles–Olot line stops in Sant Julià de Ramis at the N-II Restaurant Ca l’Eugènia stop, in the direction of Trueta. If you plan to use this service, check the current timetable before travelling, as route details may change.

Can Bóta serves as a service, reception and information point for visitors to Sant Julià mountain. Facilities include a bar, an exhibition space and toilets. This information adds a specific point of contact to the archaeological and landscape highlights. When choosing a hotel, you can weigh up the interests described here: the walk around Castellum Fractum, the history of Sants Metges or the route along the Ter.

Discover more destinations: Montagut i Oix, Medinyà, Les Llosses, Les Pereres, Vilaür, Mont-Ras, Saus, Camallera i Llampaies:Camallera, Llanars.

For the overall travel guide: Girona.