Sant Quirze de Besora – Bridge, Trails and Heritage
Accommodation in Sant Quirze De Besora
The Ter, local history and landscape
On the Ter, Sant Quirze de Besora brings together a riverside landscape, architectural history and trails through a variety of landscapes. From a viewpoint on the riverbank, you can make out a small-scale landscape featuring historical and industrial elements. The town therefore reveals itself through more than a single building: the river, local history and natural surroundings each add their own character.
Parts of the municipality of Sant Quirze de Besora lie within the protected Parc del Castell de Montesquiu. Dense, varied forests and fertile pastures define the park. The riverside area along the Ter and the park’s woodland and pastures thus represent different landscapes within the area around the town. This combination is especially appealing to travellers who want to consider cultural history not in isolation, but also see trails and nature as part of their stay.
Bridge, traces of settlement and chapels
The Pont de Sant Quirze de Besora is a medieval structure spanning the Ter. The bridge was first mentioned in written records in 1516; its exact construction date is unknown. The building’s medieval classification and its first written record from the 16th century are two distinct details. At Pla dels Ocells, you encounter a different historical period: the remains of an ancient Iberian settlement and some medieval remains have been preserved there. The site lies on a hill overlooking the Ter, and the layout of the settlement can still be largely traced.
The small chapels also connect architecture with local history. Ermita de Montserrat is associated with the Can GuixĂ textile factory and stands behind a bamboo grove. Ermita de Lourdes is associated with the Can Trinxet or Can TomĂ s textile factory; it is modelled on the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. While the setting behind the bamboo grove is part of the distinctive local scene at Montserrat, Lourdes stands out for its reproduction of the French chapel. The two chapels thus have different features, although both are associated with the textile factories mentioned.
Walking trails, riverside promenades and notable places
There are several starting points for exploring Sant Quirze de Besora on foot. Various walking trails in and around the municipality pass through varied landscapes and dense forests, and lead to viewpoints. One specifically named stage is the section of the GR 3 from VidrĂ to els Munts: it passes through Sant Quirze de Besora and crosses the Ter there via the bridge. The municipal Ruta de les Fonts has a different focus; along it, you can discover the fountains of Sant Quirze de Besora and their surroundings. The two routes differ in what they cover: the GR 3 is identified as the section between VidrĂ and els Munts, while the Ruta de les Fonts focuses on the fountains and their surroundings.
There are riverside promenades on both banks of the Ter, and the Parc Municipal also has a promenade overlooking the river. The Roure de la Coromina adds to the natural and cultural heritage: this monumental oak stands beside the path connecting Sant Quirze de Besora with Parc del Castell de Montesquiu. In 2025, the Generalitat de Catalunya declared it a monumental tree. The oak’s location along the path thus links a notable natural landmark with the route to the park.
Local products and a family activity
Destil·leries Bosch also forms part of the local food and drink culture. Founded in 1892, it is known for herbal liqueur and Ratafia Bosch. This production history adds another local connection to the cultural and landscape themes. For an interactive family activity, there is the Digital Gymkana about Ermessenda de Carcassona: puzzles and clues lead through the entire municipality. Unlike a single point of interest, its focus is on taking part and following the tasks around the municipality.
Discover more destinations: Tagamanent, TorellĂł, Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, Sant Feliu Sasserra, CastellvĂ De Rosanes, Calella, CastellvĂ De La Marca, Can Trabal.
See the overview of destinations: Barcelona.
