Campdorà between the Ter and the foothills of the Gavarres

The village of Campdorà lies between the River Ter and the foothills of the Gavarres massif. Paths through the countryside, a route around the hill, and the history of the church and castle give the place several different facets. The riverside area also has its own past: it was once a setting for communal celebrations and meals. When planning your stay, you can therefore focus on different themes rather than limiting it to just one aspect.

Paths along the Ter and around the hill

A completed greenway connects Pont Major with Campdorà. It runs for 4,230 metres from the Pont Major cemetery, alongside the Ter. Its length is specified, and its route follows the river. The Anella Verda offers a different way to explore the area: it loops around the hill of Campdorà and ends at the village’s agricultural land.

The stated duration for the one-way Anella Verda route is approximately two hours. This is a time estimate, not a route length. You therefore have different measurements to help with your planning: the greenway’s distance is given in metres, while the Anella Verda’s one-way duration is approximate. Which is more useful depends on whether you want to plan around a distance or a time frame.

Getting there and finding your way

From Girona, take the C-255 towards Celrà, la Bisbal and Palamós. At Pla de Campdorà, there is a straight stretch of around one kilometre. After about 750 metres along this stretch, a narrow paved road leads uphill to Campdorà. This sequence provides a practical guide for reaching the village. As road conditions can change, it is best to check access shortly before you travel.

Church and castle: distinct historical landmarks

A historical record mentions Sant Jaume de Campdorà as early as 1066. The Romanesque church dates from the 12th century, but has been substantially altered. It was badly damaged in 1808 and 1809 during the sieges of Girona in the Peninsular War. These dates therefore point to different aspects of the church’s history: its early mention, its Romanesque origins and the damage it suffered during the sieges.

The history of Campdorà Castle also goes back to the 12th century. Only a few remnants of the original fortifications survive. In 1493, the castle was adapted for the use of firearms. Another historical landmark is the document Joan Campmany received from King Ferdinand the Catholic, authorising him to develop Campdorà into a proper castle. The church and castle thus represent different architectural and historical developments in the village.

Font Picant and the history of the riverside

Font Picant del Congost is in Campdorà and was restored in 2016. From the beginning of the 20th century until the Spanish Civil War, the Campdorà spa made the area a popular destination. This former significance is part of the village’s history, whether your main interest is in the paths, historic buildings or landscape.

The riverside area next to the Gorgs del Ter also has a traditional name: it was known as “les delícies del Congost”. In the past, many visitors used the riverside for celebrations and traditional meals called “feixines”. These accounts of celebrations and communal dining complement the building and military history of the church and castle with a different perspective on Campdorà.

Discover more destinations: Tortellá, Palau De Santa Eulàlia, Campllong, Caldes De Malavella, Banyoles, Macanet De Cabrenys, L’escala, Biure

For the broader travel overview: Girona.