Discover Sant Feliu de Pallerols

Discover Sant Feliu de Pallerols through its landscape, the Brugent River and striking traces of the town’s history. These offer different focal points for planning your trip: natural landscapes and geology on the one hand, and religious, industrial and festival heritage on the other.

Protected landscapes and volcanic formations

The entire municipality of Sant Feliu de Pallerols lies within the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa. The southern part is also designated as the Espai d’Interès Natural del Collsacabra. This distinction helps place the area geographically: the nature park covers the whole municipality, while the second protected area is designated for its southern part.

The Brugent River also shapes the town: it flows through Sant Feliu de Pallerols and is also linked to its milling history. Historically, the area was home to numerous mills, especially grain mills and cloth mills. The Brugent therefore brings together a visible geographical landmark and an important aspect of local industrial history.

At Puig Roig, you can see an eroded volcanic vent. Magma solidified there, creating an outcrop of compact basalt. The Volcà de Sant Marc has a different geological form: it is horseshoe-shaped and open to the northeast. These two descriptions draw attention to distinct volcanic features without presenting them as the same formation.

The Castell de Colltort, in the western part of the municipality, offers another perspective on the landscape. From there, you can enjoy views of the Parc Natural de la Zona volcànica de la Garrotxa and some of its characteristic volcanic cones. For exploring the natural environment, several specific landmarks stand out: the river in town, the basalt outcrop at Puig Roig, the shape of the Volcà de Sant Marc and the view from the Castell de Colltort.

Routes and getting around the town

Route 22 starts and ends at the former Sant Feliu railway station, which now serves as the tourist information centre. Route 24 leads to the Castell d’Hostoles, described as a viewpoint overlooking the Hostoles Valley. The routes can therefore be distinguished by their different landmarks: one by the station and its current information service, the other by the castle and its views across the valley.

Church, settlement and festival tradition

The first documented mention of the parish church of Sant Feliu de Pallerols dates from 1039. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Cases de la Sagrera formed a triangular settlement around the parish church, where up to 20 families settled. The two dates mark different historical points of reference: 1039 is the church’s first documented mention, while the settlement of the Cases de la Sagrera dates to the later Middle Ages.

A vibrant cultural tradition is the Ball dels Cavallets, Gegants i Mulassa. It is the main performance of the Festa Major of Sant Feliu de Pallerols. On 18 May 1999, the Generalitat de Catalunya recognised the Ball as a Festa Tradicional d’Interès Nacional. Its role in the town festival and its national recognition offer two distinct indications of the tradition’s importance.

The Molí de la Conqueta

Built in 1310, the Molí de la Conqueta is one of the best-preserved mills in Sant Feliu de Pallerols. The restored mill is recommended as a place where you can learn how a water-powered mill works. Check the visiting arrangements locally before your trip. Its history, state of preservation and insight into milling technology make it a distinct point of interest alongside the volcanic landscapes and cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Espolla, Santa Llogaia del Terri, Vilobí D’onyar, Sils, Bescanó, Canet D’adri, Ventalló, Selva.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.