Barcelona-Vic-Ripol-San Juan-de-Le Abesses-Olot-Castelfolit-de la Rock-Besal
We have prepared for you an unusual automobile route that runs through the Garroch volcanic region. You will find charming small medieval cities with suspended bridges, fortress walls and narrow streets, extinct volcanoes and frozen lava streams. In addition, in each of the towns you can taste local liquors, wine and cheeses. So your journey will also get a gastronomic!
Distance – 181 km. All roads on your way are free if you follow our route.
Travel time – 3 hours without stopping one way. With full stops in each of the cities – 8 hours.
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1. Vic (Vic)
The first ancient city on your way will be Vic, located 70 km from Barcelona. The famous Gaudi spent almost three weeks here, having managed, however, even in this short time to leave his mark in the city form. In the city, you need to do the following:
1. Impressed by the huge central area (Plaça Major). Its feature is a combination of various architectural styles related to different eras. The area is considered the main attraction of the city.
2. Buy in the market a delicious Catalan sausage (VIC is famous for pork products) and try all local cheeses. The market runs along Tuesdays and Thursdays on the aforementioned area.
3. Get to a pretty cathedral. Address: Plaza de la CATEDRAL.
4. Admire the well -preserved Roman temple. Address: Carrer del Pare XIFRé, 2.
2. Ripol (ripoll)
40 km to the north is our next stop – a small provincial town of Ripol. It is located in a very picturesque place – at the merger of two rivers surrounded by the mountains. It is interesting that in the Middle Ages the city was a metallurgical center, which is explained by the presence of coal and iron ore deposits nearby.
You will have enough 40 minutes to get around the whole rib. Its main attraction is the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll),
Built in the Romanesque style in 879. It was around it that the city itself arose. We are very advised to enter the territory of the monastery and take a walk along the covered galleries and the well -groomed garden.
The Gothic Church San Pere de Ripoll also deserves attention,
Built in the XII century.
3. San Juan de Les Abadesses
The next mandatory stop is literally 11 km to the north (about 15 minutes on the road). The town of San Juan-de-L-Abesses is very tiny (it will take a little time for his inspection),
But very colorful. It needs to be done at least two things in it:
1. Visit the monastery of San Juan-de-Le Abesses, founded in the 9th century. Address: Placa de l’Badia, s/n.
2. Go to the river along a very beautiful old bridge.
4. Olot (Olot)
At 24 km there is the next city on your way – Olot, which is the center of the Vulcanic region of Garroch. There are several volcanoes next to it, for which it is often called the “city of volcanoes.”
Olot suffered from an earthquake in the 15th century, so there are not so many old buildings here. The main attractions here are natural. In addition to walking in the center, in the city you can walk to the Montsakop volcano (Volcán del Montsacopa). If desired, you can climb around the slope of the volcano and look into the crater.
5. Castelfolit-de la.
In total, 9 km from Olot is a small town of Castelfolit-de la Rock. It is notable for the fact that it is located at the very top of a steep cliff formed by lava streams.
In fact, there is only one street in the city, and at home they are close to each other. Please note that almost all of them are made of volcanic rocks. There is an observation deck on the very edge of the cliff. Be sure to get up here – you will have breathtaking views!
6. Besal
The final point of your journey will be a cozy city of Besalu, which is a monument of medieval architecture. You will need to drive only 15 km before him.
To be in the historical center of the city, you will need to cross the river along the old bridge.
1. Take a walk along the narrow streets and find on one of them an unusual sculpture of a chair on long legs. Try to climb him!
2. Pay attention to the peculiarity of the demon – chairs are attached to the walls of some houses here. Which, of course, is explained by local beliefs (which friendly sellers of shops will be happy to tell you with pleasure).
3. In one of the souvenir shops, buy some interesting handmade product on memory of the trip.
4. Be sure to visit the Mir Mir in Miniature with an extensive collection of miniature sculptures. All exhibits here will need to be examined under a microscope. Address: Placa Prat de Sant Pere, 15.
5. Go to the church of St. Peter. Address: Placa Sant Pere, S/N.
You can spend the night in neighboring Girona (it is only a 30 -minute drive),
either return to Barcelona (1h 40min on the AP-7 paid highway for 14.15 euros).
