Les Llosses Between Nature and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Les Llosses
Les Llosses has no urban centre: houses and farmhouses are spread across the entire municipality. Its eight districts correspond to the former parishes. For orientation, several landmarks are therefore prominent, including Santa Maria de Matamala, the town hall and the Riera del Merlès. Nature, architectural history and trails offer different ways to get to know the area.
The Riera del Merlès Natural Area
The Riera del Merlès is a protected natural area, and access has been restricted since 2017. If you are planning a visit, check the current conditions before travelling. The watercourse is known for its clear water and the many pools and waterfalls along its entire length. Its source streams extend between Sant Jaume de Frontanyà and les Llosses.
Textile History and Churches
La Farga de Bebié is a textile colony founded in 1895, shared by les Llosses and Montesquiu. The two churches of Santa Maria de les Llosses and Santa Maria de Matamala offer distinct architectural points of interest. Santa Maria de les Llosses has a single-nave interior with a pointed barrel vault; Lombard arcades are found on the exterior. Santa Maria de Matamala also originally had a single-nave interior with a barrel vault, as well as an apse. The descriptions therefore differ both in the architectural features mentioned and in that Matamala’s original form is specified.
Santa Margarida de Vinyoles and Castell de la GuĂ rdia
The shrine of Santa Margarida de Vinyoles lies in the southern part of the municipality, east of Puig Cornador, on a hill in the Serra de Vinyoles at an altitude of 1,206 metres. It is considered the chapel of the former castle of Castell de la GuĂ rdia de Ripoll; the castle site lies below the shrine complex. The remains of Castell de la GuĂ rdia are by Mas del Castell, on a small hill in the Serra de Santa Margarida. The site lies on the south side of the valley below the shrine. This helps place the surviving castle remains and the chapel in their respective landscape settings.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The Route de la riera de les Llosses connects Santa Maria de Matamala with Ripoll. For much of its length, it follows the course of the Riera de les Llosses and passes through mountain landscapes, pastures and dense forests. The route “Entre antigues parròquies de Gombrèn, Campdevà nol i les Llosses” follows a path once used by shepherds and farmers. For the route “Matamala i les Llosses per antics camins de ferradura”, you can leave your car in a large unpaved area at the entrance to Santa Maria de Matamala. Road and parking conditions may change, so check them before travelling.
The challenging Puig-Cornador Route 18 is a cycling route that circles the Serra de Puig Cornador and climbs to an altitude of 1,232 metres. It starts at the junction with the C-26, level with the les Llosses town hall. By contrast, the Route de la riera is defined by its connection between Matamala and Ripoll and its course along the waterway. The routes described therefore differ in their landscape settings and itineraries.
Farm Visit and Festa Major
Formatges del Pujol-Orra offers a farm visit with cheese tasting at Mas El Pujol de Dachs in les Llosses. Booking and advance payment are required. The Festa Major de Matamala may also be of interest when planning your trip: the programme includes performances and children’s activities, dancing and a concert, a solemn mass, a football match and an omelette competition. The programme may change, so check the details of the relevant edition before travelling for the event.
Discover more destinations: Sales De Llierca, Campelles, Gerona, Biure, Vilabertran, Cassà De La Selva, Castell-Platja d’Aro, Espolla.
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