Besalu
October 31, 2009 by · 2 Comments
Besalú is a well preserved medieval town in the Garrotxa region with several Romanesque churches and the only Jewish bath house in Spain.
Besalú is located at 150 metres above sea level, covering an area of 4.81 km2. Although the town has many nice churches, the most significant feature is its 12th-century Romanesque bridge, angled over the river Fluvià, which features a gateway at its mid-point. From exiting the bridge (walking away from the car parks) into the town, the streets become narrow whith small gift shops which sell some very unusual items. Keep following the streets until you reach the central square, Plaça Llibertat where you can visit the monastry church, cafes antique shops and delicatessens. Investigate the area and stoll down cobbled streets leading off from the square to find medieval arch ways, columns and gothic windows. Nearby are the The Miqve baths, with thermal springs and running water from the river, once used by men before prayer and by women before marriage and childbirth.
In 1966, Besalú was declared a “National Historic-Artistic Ensemble” due to its high architectural value.
Points of Interest:
- Visit on a Tuesday where Besalú comes to life with buzzing local chatter and stalls piled high with cheese, fruit, flowers and other local goodies.
- The Romanesque bridge for excellent photo opportunities
- The Miqve baths
- River walks below the bridge
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I aggree Besalú is a splendid little village, very picturesque and charming. The medieval bridge or “Pont Vell” is one of its most striking monuments, and a reminder of its past grandeur.
It’s also a lively place, there always things going on: markets, fairs, festivals… One of my favourites is the Medieval festival, that takes place the first weekend of September, every year. During 2 days the village fills up with market stalls selling all kind of handicrafts, and there are a wide variety of activities going on all day long related to the medieval ages: lively parades, re-enactment of knight’s battles, children’s entertainment…
The Ratafia fair is another great event too. takes place the last weekend of November or the first weekend of December. Ratafia is a local fire water made of green walnuts and many different herbs. It can be drank as an apeitif or as a digestive. During the ratafia fair there is a market of Ratafia where you can sample the drink. Traditionally , people in the village make their own, and there is a competition to choose the best ratafia of the year.
If you want to find out great accommodation in the area around Besalú or the Costa Brava.