Calabuig: Paths along the Fluvià and historic Sant Feliu

Calabuig sits on a hill near the south bank of the Fluvià. The village is best explored through its elevated setting: the streets climb the northern slope to the church of Sant Feliu, while paths along the riverbank reveal a different landscape. The village, the views and the riverside paths offer different focal points for a stay.

Hill, streets and views

The church of Sant Feliu stands at the highest point in Calabuig. From here, the view stretches across the Empordà plain to the Bay of Roses. The narrow, steep streets on the northern slope lead up to the church. The incline shapes the way around the village: exploring on foot combines the uphill walk with the viewpoint at the village’s highest point.

Paths to the springs and along the Fluvià

Behind Sant Feliu, a path leads down to the springs of Calabuig. The paths along the Fluvià are different: they run from Calabuig towards Bàscara and the neighbouring villages of Vilaür and Arenys d’Empordà. Walkers and cyclists use these riverside paths. You can choose a route according to the landscape and direction you prefer: down to the springs or along the river towards the neighbouring villages.

Sant Feliu and the history of the Castell

A document mentions the church of Sant Feliu as early as 1157. The present-day church occupies part of the Castell de Calabuig and incorporates its surviving remains; this area may have been the former great hall. The castle remains date from the period after its destruction in the time of Jaume I and were used as a parish church in the modern era. Sant Feliu thus brings together the history of the church and the architectural heritage of the Castell.

The Castell is said to have been destroyed in 1275 in connection with a revolt by Count Hug V of Empúries and other nobles of the Empordà, including the Viscounts of Rocabertí. Royal troops are said to have destroyed the castle. The wording “is said to have” reflects this received historical interpretation. Together with the mention of Sant Feliu in 1157, this offers a timeline of the church and castle without conflating their histories.

The Molí de Calabuig by the riverbank

The Molí de Calabuig stands on the bank of the Fluvià. Its small chapel is dedicated to Sant Nicolau. It dates from the period when the building underwent extensive renovations in the late 19th or early 20th century. The mill complex adds another named site to the picture, where Calabuig’s architectural history meets the riverbank.

The nearby Priorat Sant Nicolau

Another historical landmark is the Priorat Sant Nicolau de Calabuig. It stood about two kilometres southeast of Calabuig, on the site of the present-day country house Can Pagès, formerly called Mas Margall. The priory belonged to the Abbey of Sant Esteve de Banyoles and was founded over the remains of an ancient building. Its history is therefore linked in its own way to the abbey and the older building site.

Only partially preserved remains of the priory survive in the buildings of Can Pagès. The place names Mas Margall and Can Pagès refer to different periods of the same site: its former name was Mas Margall, while Can Pagès stands there today. This nearby historical site can thus be distinguished from the buildings of Sant Feliu and the riverside mill.

Festa Major in late July

Calabuig’s Festa Major takes place in late July; the exact date may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates for your travel period. This lets you include the local celebration in your plans without confusing it with the village’s landscape and history, which can be explored year-round.

Discover more destinations: Orriols.

For the broader travel overview: Bàscara.