BESALÚ

Besalu

 

 

Besalú is an attractive small town about 20 km west of Figueres.

 

   
Besalú was designated as a historical national property ("conjunto histórico artistico") in 1966.    
Besalu    

 

The most striking feature is the roman bridge (XII century) across the Fluvià which was constructed on existing rocks in the riverbed and has an unusual angular form. In the Middle Ages a toll was raised from travelers crossing the bridge.

  

 
          Bridge across the fluvia    
Besalu, church
The church of Sant Pere belonged once to the monastery (created in the year
977) of the same name. The church was inaugurated in the year 1003. Note the detail on the columns with influences from North of Italy. Also, note the figures of lions at the entrance. 
The church is situated in the center of the town. About 2,150 inhabitants live in Besalú. And, the place is however
visited the whole year over by tourists. 

Nevertheless Besalú's porticoed streets and squares never seem crowded or commercialized. Souvenir shops and restaurants are inserted harmoniously into the local character.

The recently discovered and restored Mikva, a ritual Jewish bath dates to the XI or XII century is located in the lower town near the river Fluvià.

Other attractions include the Casa Llaudes and the church of Sant Vicenç which was built during the XII and XIII centuries and shows the transition from Romanesque to Gothic design.

Besalú lies between the rivers Capellades and Fluvià in the Garrotxa region. A day trip can also include Olot and the volcanic region or Banyoles and its delightful lake. The landscape of Garrotxa is pleasant and the road west [N 260] from Besalú toward Olot or south [C 150] from Besalú toward Banyoles is especially attractive.

Directions: Start from Figueres on the road toward Olot [N 260]. Immediately prior to Besalú, close to the bridge, is a large parking lot. At the parking lot is a board with daily information and a map.

CapCreus online, newspaper of the Costa Brava: www.cbrava.com