Discover Fornells De La Muntanya

Fornells De La Muntanya lies at an altitude of 1,280 metres on the valley floor. Its landscape, historic connection with Dòrria and the building history of the church of Sant Martí provide concrete points of interest for a trip. Its hiking connections are also clearly defined: one route leads from the village to Dòrria, while another hiking activity links Planoles with Dòrria and includes a museum visit. If you are looking for a hotel destination with cultural and hiking connections, these themes can help you get your bearings in Fornells.

Location and access

The GIV-4016 runs from Planès through the village to Toses. It can be reached from the N-260 near the turnoff for Dòrria. A forest track in very good condition connects the village with Nevà. The routes have different reference points: Planès and Toses lie along the GIV-4016, Dòrria is reached via the turnoff from the N-260, and Nevà via the forest track. This distinction helps with orientation without treating the three connections as equivalent.

Valley floor and landscape

The altitude of 1,280 metres and the location on the valley floor complement each other: one describes the village’s elevation, the other its position within the valley. At Fornells, the valley widens somewhat, providing space for vegetable gardens and hay meadows. This links the altitude with a concrete impression of the valley landscape.

Local history and Sant Martí

The village has historic ties to Dòrria. Its settlement appears to have originated as a winter refuge for the inhabitants of Dòrria. The parish of Sant Martí de Fornells is also a subsidiary parish of Dòrria. While the presumed winter refuge explains the origins of the settlement, the subsidiary parish describes an ecclesiastical connection.

Sant Martí de Fornells de la Muntanya is a Romanesque building dating from the 12th century, altered and expanded several times over the years. The date refers to the Romanesque building; the later alterations and expansions mark further phases in its architectural history. Its architectural features include a bell gable covered with slate slabs. Route 28 points to the church and the Casa-museu del Pastor here. The term “bell gable” refers to a gable with an opening for a bell.

Hiking routes and museum visit

The routes differ in their starting points and focus. Route 13 leaves the village via Pujada de la Quintana and then follows the old path from Fornells to Dòrria. The “Pastors i transhumància” activity follows a hiking route from Planoles to Dòrria and also includes a visit to the Museu del Pastor in Fornells. This distinguishes the old path section starting in Fornells from the hiking activity starting in Planoles, which also includes the museum visit.

For the broader travel overview: Toses.