Espolla: Wine Architecture, Heritage and Albera
Accommodation in Espolla
When planning a trip to Espolla, wine architecture, building history and landscape are distinct themes. The Celler Cooperatiu d’Espolla, historic buildings and areas within the protected Albera landscape provide concrete points of interest. The Dolmen Cabana d’Arqueta is one of the largest megalithic monuments in the Albera and adds a distinctive heritage dimension to these themes. “Megalith” means “large stone”; the term refers to a different type of monument from churches and the Castell.
Wine architecture and visits by reservation
The Celler Cooperatiu d’Espolla was inaugurated on November 8, 1931, and designed by architect Pelai Martinez. Martinez was inspired by the great “wine cathedrals” of the Tarragona area. The name highlights the scale of these models as key to understanding the design. The Celler is therefore not only a point of reference for wine, but also for architecture.
With advance reservations, individually tailored visits to the winery, vineyards and landscape of Espolla are possible. As a reservation is required, confirm the details before your trip.
Historic buildings and how they are classified
Sant MartĂ de Baussitges was consecrated on December 20, 946, by Bishop Gotmar of Girona and is considered a pre-Romanesque church based on its architectural features. The classification of Sant GenĂs d’Esprac is more tentative: because of sections of masonry in opus spicatum, the church may be classified as pre-Romanesque. The comparison shows two different ways of classification—a historical consecration date and an explicitly possible architectural classification.
At the former Castell d’Espolla, surviving remains are incorporated into the town’s buildings. Its construction can be dated to the 13th and 14th centuries. The construction details and surviving parts provide two distinct historical points of reference: the Castell’s dating and the incorporation of its remains into the town’s built fabric.
La Fraternal is also part of Espolla’s social history: the mutual aid association was founded in Espolla in 1874. Its founding purpose adds a connection to community support to the architectural themes.
Albera: landscape and protected status
The Albera natural area covers 669 hectares in Espolla. The protected Albera landscape, which also includes land in Espolla, has been part of the larger EIN Albera area of special ecological interest and the Natura 2000 network since 2006. The 669 hectares refer to Espolla’s share of the natural area; its inclusion in EIN Albera and Natura 2000 places the landscape within a broader ecological context. If landscape is a focus of your trip, these two levels help distinguish Espolla’s share of the area from the overarching protected status.
Discover more destinations: El Cros, GarrigĂ s, Macanet De Cabrenys, Riells i Viabrea, Ullastret, Caldes De Malavella, Palau-Sator, Sant Aniol De Finestres
For the main travel overview: Girona.
