Bàscara on the Fluvià: History, Nature and Tradition

If you’re looking for a hotel in Bàscara, the character of the town can help you choose a destination: on the Fluvià, historical traces, a landscape shaped by the river and cliffs, and distinctive local traditions come together. You can tailor your stay to the themes that interest you, from the town’s history to birdwatching.

Historical traces on the Fluvià

Bàscara is perched on a cliff on the south bank of the Fluvià. In the upper part of the town, the Church of Sant Iscle de Bàscara stands on the edge of the cliff above the river. The walled enclosure also shapes the town’s history: a significant part of it remains. Two sections of wall are joined by the so-called Torre de la Presó. The rampart walk leading from the eastern wall to the tower has also been preserved, although it has been renovated.

The remains of the bishop’s castle have also been preserved in Bàscara. The church, sections of wall and castle remains represent different aspects of the town’s history. The Torre de la Presó and the renovated rampart walk add specific architectural details to the preserved sections of wall. This gives Bàscara more than one historical point of interest for culture enthusiasts.

Riverside landscape and routes

The Fluvià has shaped a landscape around Bàscara of cliffs, natural caves, numerous springs and small natural areas. The surroundings are well suited to exploring the outdoors. The riverside woodlands are home to many bird species, making birdwatching and photography appealing activities in their own right. The landscape and woodlands thus appeal to different interests: exploring nature and observing its birdlife.

The Parc de la Resclosa is also on the banks of the Fluvià. The park has an area for equestrian shows. Another route of note is the Camí de Sant Jaume: one of the two sections through Catalonia passes through Bàscara. When planning your trip, you can consider the riverside landscape, birdwatching, equestrian shows and a section of the Camí de Sant Jaume as different points of interest.

Weekly market and local traditions

Bàscara’s weekly market takes place every Sunday in Plaça Major. There is also the Mercat dels Tortells, held on the Sunday before Palm Sunday. The festival is dedicated to tortells, pastries made with marzipan, cream, fruit or pine nuts. Traditionally, godparents give these pastries to their godchildren. The regular weekly market and the festival held in the run-up to Palm Sunday offer different dates to plan a visit around.

Another recurring tradition is the Pessebre Vivent de Bàscara. Every year since Christmas 1973, it has been performed both in the old town and on the banks of the Fluvià. The two events therefore have different settings: the Mercat dels Tortells is associated with Plaça Major and the tortell tradition, while the Pessebre Vivent takes place in the old town and by the river. If you’d like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Calabuig, Orriols, La Bisbal D'empordà, Camprodon, Sant Julià del Llor, Caldes De Malavella, Ventalló, Les Planes D'hostoles.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.