Cornellà Del Terri: Festivals, Routes and Cultural Heritage

The Terri River flows through Cornellà Del Terri. At a regional level, it also forms a green route connecting Lake Banyoles, the plain of the Terri Valley and the Ter River. Local cultural events include the Easter tradition of the Arbre del Maig and the Fira de l’All in October; churches, bridges and other buildings offer insights into different architectural forms and historical connections.

Easter tradition and the Fira de l’All

The main festival in Cornellà Del Terri takes place at Easter and centres on raising the Arbre del Maig. At midday on Easter Monday, residents ceremonially raise the decorated tree in the middle of the square. The tradition was recognised in 1999 by the Generalitat de Catalunya as a Festa Tradicional d’Interès Nacional. The Ball del Cornut is also part of the festival: it is danced around the Arbre del Maig, and the dancers move through the town as they dance.

The Fira de l’All has a different focus and takes place on the first weekend of October. Varieties of garlic from the comarca are presented there. Visitors can try Botifall, a sausage prepared with garlic; the fair programme also includes a workshop where you can learn how to braid garlic. This distinction can help you choose when to visit: around Easter, the tree ceremony and dance take centre stage; in October, the focus is on garlic products and crafts. Check the dates and programme for the relevant year before your trip.

Churches, architectural styles and history

The Església de Santa Eulàlia de Pujals dels Cavallers is of Romanesque origin. Its single-nave plan, semicircular apse and pointed barrel vault define its architectural character. The church also preserves a Gothic baptismal font made of limestone. The Castell de Ravós del Terri has a different layout: it is trapezoidal, with a round tower at each corner.

Portals and wall paintings add distinctive touches, too. The Església de Sant Julià de Corts has a Romanesque travertine portal with two stepped archivolts. Its low-relief motifs depict figures and plant forms. In the apse of the Església de Sant Cugat de Ravós del Terri, Romanesque wall paintings show Christ in Majesty, the Tetramorph and two angels.

The present-day Església de Sant Esteve de Sords is of Romanesque origin. Its 12th-century Romanesque fabric includes the apse with a double-splayed window, the pointed barrel vault of the nave and the cornice. The interpretation of the bell tower of the Església de Sant Galderic de Santa Llogaia del Terri remains explicitly uncertain: it is said to have been built on the remains of an earlier fortified tower.

The Pont medieval de Sant Andreu del Terri crosses the Terri on three round arches. By contrast, the Pont medieval de Sords represents an earlier use: it was the crossing over the river used by the residents of Sords. The two bridges therefore differ both in their described form and in their historical function.

Routes and practical information

The Capella de Sant Antoni is within the village of Cornellà Del Terri, about a 50-metre walk from the village square. It was part of the now-vanished castle of Cornellà. The route description published in 2017 estimates a duration of approximately two hours without breaks and is aimed at people who are used to hiking. The route passes through Plaça de Maig in Cornellà Del Terri; shortly afterwards, it reaches the Capella. Check trail conditions and parking arrangements before setting out.

The Rutes dels Soldats de Salamina are separate routes, several of which pass through Cornellà Del Terri. The Centre Cultural is also located at Plaça de Maig. It offers activities for all age groups, as well as seasonal courses and workshops.

A visit to the Xocolates Torras factory offers an insight into the company’s manufacturing processes. The visit includes an immersive 360-degree projection about the origins of cocoa, the making of chocolate and the hundred-year history of Chocolates Torras. Check the booking conditions in advance, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Riudellots De La Selva, Pujals dels Pagesos, Pontós, Porqueres, Flaçà, Ullà, Riudarenes, Cadaqués.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.