Basil is a charming, well-preserved little village in Catalonia's Garrotxa region. It was the capital of an autonomous state in medieval times, and it is still a genuine jewel today, approximately halfway between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava, and just on the edge of the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.
It's a maze of narrow, cobblestone alleys and beautifully kept buildings set against the backdrop of two placid rivers (the Capellades to the north, and the Fluvià to the south) and the volcanic landscape of Garrotxa, and it's a popular day trip from Barcelona or Girona, but to do it justice, plan to spend a couple of days there, to enjoy its atmosphere and have dinner in one of the many restaurants.
Continue reading for more information on the finest things to do in Besal Spain, as well as some helpful planning advice.
1. Medieval bridge
The medieval bridge, also known as Pont Vell, is the logical starting place for a tour. It's a symbol of this charming little town, and it enables you to cross the Fluvia River to go into town. The bridge was constructed in the Romanesque style in the 12th century. The bridge has seven arches and two towers, and from there you can enjoy a great view of the town.
TIP: Before crossing the Pont Vell, take the steps down to the riverbank. From there, the views of the bridge and the town are spectacular!
2. Sant Vicente de Besalu church in Besalu, Spain
In town, there are many beautiful churches. If you just go to one, make it this one! It was constructed in the Romanesque style, like many other churches in Garrotxa, but it also has Gothic elements. It was established in 977 when the parish was established. This church is what made Besal a well-known pilgrimage destination: it is said to house the remnants of the Christian faith's True Cross.
3. Sant Pere Monastery
The Monastery of Sant Pere is one of the must-see attractions. To be honest, the majority of the monastery is no longer visible, but the church that is attached to it is. It was originally a Benedictine monastery, established in 977. The adjoining church, on the other hand, dates from the 11th century. It's a pretty large church in a pleasant airy plaza with a few interesting structures and a couple of pleasant cafés- The Casa Cornellà (AKA Casa Llaudes)
Casa Cornellà is a town landmark, located in the same plaza as the Monastery of Sant Pere. It is considered to be one of the finest surviving instances of Romanesque-style civic structures in Catalonia, having been built by the Cornellà family in the 12th century (when they were one of the most powerful families in the region). The family who bought it in the 15th century was called Llaudes.
4. Sant Julià Hospital
The Hospital of Sant Julià was originally a pilgrims' dormitory constructed by the Counts of Besalu in the 12th century. The magnificent facade is the only original feature. The mikveh baths are Jewish ritual baths.
Girona and Garrotxa formerly had a sizable Jewish population, which left an indelible imprint. Jews first settled in the hamlet in the 9th century, and there are a few structures that bear witness to their existence. The mikveh, or Jewish baths used in holy rituals, was constructed in the 12th century and is the most significant.
There used to be a synagogue and a Jewish neighborhood not far from the mikveh.
5. The Museum of Miniatures and Microminiatures is devoted to the study of miniatures and microminiatures
It's one of the oddest places to go since it has a complete collection of miniatures on exhibit, which you'll have to examine with a magnifying lens. The attention to detail is astounding!
The beautiful chapel of Sagrat Cor is located a little outside of town, on a hill with excellent views of the hamlet. There is a nice walk there.
6. The Humble Chair
A stroll along the river's northern bank provides more spectacular views of the bridge while also keeping you away from the throng. Look for "the modest chair," a piece of art created via cooperation between residents of Besalu and local artists.
7. Shops that sell souvenirs
There are many more souvenir stores here than in other villages in Garrotxa, indicating that this is a more popular tourist destination. The good thing is that most of them offer local goods, so it's a wonderful location to pick up some little gifts to take home.
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