Esponellà: Castle, Church and Routes along the Fluvià

Esponellà combines historic buildings with a landscape in which the Fluvià plays an important role. There are several distinct themes to choose from when planning your trip: the castle, with sweeping views over the village and river; the church of Sant Cebrià, with its building history and sculptures; and routes for different ways to get outdoors. You can tailor your stay to culture, nature, or activity.

The Castle above Esponellà

El Castell d’Esponellà dates back to the 11th century. The castle stands on a 196-metre-high hill west of the village centre; from there, the view stretches far across the village and the Fluvià River. The castle is a historical landmark for the village. The view also draws attention to the village’s location and the river. If you want to get your bearings in Esponellà, this view brings together two visible features of the place: the settlement and the Fluvià.

The Church and Festive Traditions

The Església de Sant Cebrià d’Esponellà has Romanesque origins. It was altered in the 15th and 16th centuries with Gothic-style elements, so its building history reflects distinct historical phases. The church also houses two 14th-century sculptures of the Madonna: one made of wood, the other of alabaster. Its architectural history and artworks offer different points of interest if you are interested in religious architecture or medieval art.

During the Festa Major d’Esponellà, a Mass is celebrated at which the Goigs are sung in honour of the patron saint, Sant Cebrià. The celebration combines religious tradition and song, adding a distinct facet of festive tradition to the church’s architectural and artistic history.

Walking and Cycling Routes

Esponellà’s tourist route programme offers geolocated routes with QR codes for discovering the natural and cultural surroundings of the municipality. The routes are divided into categories that cater to different interests and levels of ability. This gives you an idea of whether you are looking for an easy path, a more challenging route, or a cycling tour.

The “Caminar en família” category includes easy, flat walking trails suitable for families with children. “Caminar o córrer,” by contrast, refers to more challenging routes for physical activity and nature experiences. The categories therefore describe different ways of getting around, without any one type of route defining the entire offer.

One specific option is the “Ruta cap a la Central”: it is 6.60 kilometres long and runs from Esponellà via La Central to Serinyà. The route follows the Fluvià along a greenway and is not a circular route. This is important when choosing: the route described runs between Esponellà and Serinyà; it does not loop back to the starting point.

There is also a dedicated category for bicycles. The routes listed under “Carretera i cicloturisme” connect places in the surrounding area. The “Camí Quico Sabater” has a different focus: it follows the path taken through the municipality of Esponellà on New Year’s Eve 1959 by an anti-Franco guerrilla fighter. This route combines physical activity with a specific historical connection.

Waterfall and River Landscape

The Salt de Martís offers another perspective on the landscape around the Fluvià. From Martís de Baix towards the river, it descends more than 100 metres and forms two waterfalls. This natural feature differs from the routes: the focus here is on the two waterfall formations and the change in elevation, while the trails describe different routes and activities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Vilert, Verges, Fontanilles, Garrigoles, Serra De Daró, Vilademuls, Setcases, Caldes De Malavella.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.