Pontós: Mas Castellar, churches and landscape

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Pontós, the archaeological site of Mas Castellar, historic buildings and the surroundings along the Fluvià can help guide your plans. Each offers a different focus: settlement history, religious architecture, landscape and the route of the Camí de Sant Jaume through the town.

Mas Castellar: archaeological site and directions

The archaeological site of Mas Castellar has three successive settlements dating from between 450 and 180 BC. It stands on a slightly raised terrace in an area between two nearby drainage basins. Mas Castellar is also roughly equidistant from the Greek colonial settlements of Emporion and Rhode. The sequence of settlements and the location offer two different ways to understand the site: the long history of human habitation and its position between the drainage basins and in relation to the two colonial settlements.

From the town centre, follow the GIV-5125 to its end. There, turn left onto the GIP-5126; about 340 metres beyond kilometre marker 3, turn right onto the track to Mas Castellar. The distance given refers to the section after the turn-off. Check local road conditions before setting out.

Landscape and historical landmarks

Pontós’s natural surroundings are characterised by pine, holm oak and oak forests, as well as cultivated land. The municipality of Pontós also includes an area along the Fluvià River that is part of the Natura 2000 network. The area by the river, as well as the forests and cultivated land, is therefore part of the landscape.

The remains of Pontós Castle are in the present-day Castell neighbourhood, on a hill 124 metres high, about 500 metres from the town centre. The Torre de l’Àngel is a separate landmark: a telegraph tower on a hill at an elevation of 146 metres, about 500 metres north of Pontós. The two approximate distances refer to different reference points: for the castle, the distance is from the town centre; for the tower, it describes its location north of Pontós. Allow for an uphill climb when approaching the Torre.

Religious buildings, a pilgrimage route and festivals

The church of Sant Martí de Pontós contains a Gothic baptismal font. At the Ermita de Santa Anna, a large atrium, or galilea, in front of the entrance is a defining architectural feature; it includes a large round arch. These details are in different places: the baptismal font is inside the church, while the atrium is in front of the entrance to the Ermita. The two buildings can thus be distinguished by their specific features.

The Camí de Sant Jaume passes through Pontós on the route from Figueres to Bàscara. The Sunday morning programme of the Festa Major de Sant Martí includes a sung service with orchestral accompaniment at the church of Sant Martí. The participants may vary from year to year. Pontós also celebrates the summer Festa Major de Santa Anna in July. If you would like to plan a trip around one of these festivals, check the dates for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Sant Pere Pescador, Riudaura, Sant Llorenç De La Muga, Llanars, Joanetes, Gombrèn, Vallfogona de Ripollès, Mollet de Peralada

For the wider travel overview: Girona.