Ventalló: Landscape and Historic Architecture

Ventalló forms a transition zone between the forests of Terraprim and the agricultural land of the plain. The municipality stretches along the banks of the Fluvià to the former wetlands of Pelacalç. Its landscape and architectural heritage give the area a variety of aspects: alongside the riverside and agricultural plain are historic town centres, churches and some leisure facilities. When choosing your destination, you can weigh up whether you are particularly interested in local history, architecture or water sports.

Landscape and Early History

Settlement in the Ventalló area dates back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological sites have been documented from the 1st century BC to the 8th century. All the municipality’s traditional town centres are documented from the 10th and 11th centuries; they belonged to the County of Empúries. These details cover different historical periods, from early settlement and archaeological remains to the documented town centres.

Traces in Ventalló’s Historic Centre

Ventalló was documented as a castle in the 10th century. Before the end of that century, the new church of Sant Miquel was built over an older church. Traces of the former wall and several towers in the courtyards of Carrer del Mar can be seen in the historic centre. The former fortifications are therefore not only part of the town’s history in general, but are also identified at specific locations.

Casa del Delme also preserves the course of part of the former castle perimeter. Arrow slits can be seen there from Plaça Major. Can Perramon adds to this architectural picture with a 17th-century building that was once the residence of the lords of Ventalló. Today it houses the Fundació Perramon. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art and includes more than 150 works, mainly paintings and sculptures; the size and presentation of the collection may change.

A Variety of Architectural Histories in the Town Centres

Pelacalç also offers specific examples of the municipality’s architectural history. The castle there has been documented since the beginning of the 14th century; remains of its former wall are visible from Carrer de Can Picó. Can Picó has a Gothic-Renaissance window, and the Capella de l’Assumpta contains stones from the castle. Can Joanmiquel, now called Can Saló, is one of the oldest farmhouses in the town. The examples differ in age and form, ranging from surviving wall remains and a window to the reuse of castle stones.

Valveralla combines other historic features with a different leisure connection. Its compact town centre preserves buildings dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries; the church of Sant Vicenç dates from 1721. Santa Eugènia de Saldet has a small Romanesque church that was enlarged in the 19th century. In Montiró, only the Romanesque apse of the church of Sant Sadurní, which was originally extensively altered, is now visible. The present-day ensemble consists of around a dozen farmhouses surrounding the church. Ca l’Isern, in the centre of Montiró, was formerly the palace of the Margarit family.

More details are found across the other town centres. In Els Masos, Can Bagué has been documented in church records since the 16th century; the former Font Peregrina lies west of the town centre. Saldet has been a river crossing since antiquity: a Roman road from Fortià and el Far crossed the river there on its way towards Empúries. In Vila-robau, the old church of Sant Andreu preserves traces of Romanesque painting inside; it was probably built in the 10th century.

Water Sports and Accommodation

Ventalló has a dedicated destination for water skiing: Els Gorgs de Valveralla are artificial lakes currently used for the sport. The Xavi Mill water-ski centre is based at the lakes. Alongside the architecture, this offers a specific leisure activity that may influence your choice of destination.

Can Marisch is also relevant when considering accommodation: the 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance manor house is now used for rural tourism. If you would like to include this option in your plans, check the current packages before booking. Another local tradition is the Sopar dels Masos, which the residents of the Masos have kept up together for many years.

Discover more destinations: Llanca, Parlavà, Serra De Daró, Sant Llorenç De La Muga, Vilaür, L'armentera, Massanes.

Go to the main travel overview: Girona.