Vall-Llobrega: Churches, Roman-era sites and trails

Vall-Llobrega can be explored through several specific themes: the architectural history of Raval de Baix, Roman-era sites and trails in the Massís de les Gavarres. If you are planning a hotel stay, these historical and landscape highlights can help guide your choice of destination.

Churches and historic houses

In Raval de Baix stands the Església de Sant Mateu, a 17th-century church. Its floor plan has a single nave, along with two side chapels and a polygonal apse. The building can therefore be divided into a main nave, side chapels and a many-sided end section. The church also has a simple 17th-century baptismal font. Its building history can also be dated precisely: permission to build was granted on January 30, 1669, and permission to consecrate the new church on January 21, 1671.

The architectural character of Raval de Baix also includes houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. They stand in a row along one side of the path. Thus, the architectural history of this part of town includes not only the church but also a documented row of houses from two centuries.

Roman traces and the town’s earlier history

The Església vella de Sant Mateu is a Romanesque building, probably dating from the 10th or 11th century. It stands in an area where the original settlement of Vall-Llobrega was once located. The earliest traces of human settlement in Vall-Llobrega are at Els Vilars; they date from Roman times.

Another archaeological site is Vilarenys. It contains the remains of a Roman villa dated to the 1st century, which was inhabited until the 6th century. Ovens, graves and sections of walls have also been discovered there. The evidence from Els Vilars and Vilarenys both dates to Roman times, but points to different aspects: the earliest traces of settlement at one site, and a villa along with other discovered remains at the other. Together with the probably later date of the Romanesque church, these sites offer a comparison between different historical periods.

Trails in the Massís de les Gavarres

Vall-Llobrega lies at the foot of the Massís de les Gavarres and offers several ways to access this natural area. The Descobrint Montagut route passes the Dolmen de Montagut and continues to a summit in the Massís, Montagut. From there, the route offers views of Palamós.

Information about other routes points to different landmarks: Route 10 from Vall-Llobrega starts at the car park opposite the town hall. Route 22 from Vall-Llobrega is marked with signs and painted white and green markings for the local SL trail. This means that Route 10 has a specific starting point, whereas the information given for Route 22 concerns its markings; Descobrint Montagut, in turn, brings together a dolmen and a summit as natural and historical landmarks.

A notable landmark in Plaça de la Vila is the Eucaliptol de la Plaça de la Vila, regarded as one of the square’s characteristic symbols in Vall-Llobrega. It is more than 100 years old and was planted by children from the former school in the municipality of Vall-Llobrega. The landmark’s name thus connects it with the local history of the school.

Winegrowing at Celler Can Sais

Celler Can Sais offers another perspective on winegrowing in the Massís de les Gavarres. The winery is five kilometers from the sea; its twelve hectares of vineyards are on slate and clay soils. Guided tours of the vineyards and wine tastings with commentary are available. Groups must book an appointment in advance. The details about the vineyard area, soils and distance provide a specific context for winegrowing, while the tours and tastings describe the experiences on offer.

Discover more destinations: Calonge, Siurana, Setcases, Portbou, La Pera, Quart, Cruïlles, Campdorà.

For the main travel overview: Girona.