Sant Jordi Desvalls: Historic Centre, Churches and Trails by the Ter
Accommodation in Sant Jordi Desvalls
Sant Jordi Desvalls combines an almost intact medieval historic centre with churches from different periods and trails through the landscape by the Ter. When planning a stay, it is worth considering these highlights separately: the historic centre tells the story of the medieval settlement, while each route has its own destinations and course. This will help you decide whether architecture, riverside scenery, or a walking or cycling route should be the focus of your stay.
Medieval Historic Centre and Churches
The historic centre of Sant Jordi Desvalls preserves an almost intact medieval street layout. The settlement was once enclosed by an oval wall; small sections of the battered wall remain. The church of Sant Jordi is mentioned in a historical document dating from 1136. The street layout, remains of the wall and written reference to the church offer different clues to the history of the town.
Sant Feliu de Diana is an 11th-century church. Its nave is not divided throughout, and its apse is not set apart. The chapel of Sant Mateu, by contrast, has been documented since the 14th century and appears to be of Romanesque origin. At Sant Feliu, the construction period and description of the floor plan are the focus; at Sant Mateu, the documented date and the tentative attribution of its origin can be distinguished.
Near SobrĂ nigues, remains of a paved road were identified as a Roman road between EmpĂşries and Girona. This connection adds a history of routes from Roman times to the medieval buildings of the town and its churches.
Routes to Landscapes, Chapels and a Bridge
The route to SobrĂ nigues crosses the agricultural and wooded landscape of Sant Jordi before continuing to the hamlet of SobrĂ nigues. It also offers the chance to visit the 18th-century chapel of Sant Pere and leads to an iron bridge over the Ter, designed by the French office of Gustave Eiffel. The route therefore combines landscape, a hamlet, a place of worship and a bridge.
The route to Diana and Sant Mateu starts in front of the church of Sant Jordi and follows the canal back to the historic centre. On the way to Sant Mateu, there is a path through the woods as an alternative to the small road. So the destination is not the only factor in choosing a route: the described alternative passes through the woods rather than following the small road, while the starting point and return journey complete the route.
During the Fira d’Herbes de Marge in May, nature walks are organised from the banks of the Ter to the hills of Diana and Sant Mateu. The 2025 edition of the Fira Pluja d’Art featured musical performances, open-air shows and workshops.
The Ter Landscape, Trails and Getting There
The southern plain by the Ter has extensive poplar groves, as well as riverside trees along its various waterways. One notable structure on the river is the Resclosa de Sant Jordi: its approximately 200-metre-long retaining wall has a height difference of more than three metres and was built to prevent the river from overflowing towards Sant Jordi Desvalls. To reach the Resclosa, follow the left bank from the Sobrà nigues ford, cross the Furt de l’Illa and continue along the opposite bank.
The trails around Sant Jordi are suitable for walking and cycling. They are mostly flat, well maintained and have few significant inclines. One specific option for mountain biking is the 19.2-kilometre El Ter MitjĂ route: it starts and ends in Sant Jordi Desvalls and passes through the municipalities of Sant Jordi, Viladasens and CerviĂ de Ter. This makes it possible to choose between the trails described in general terms and a route with a set distance and named sections through the municipalities.
AMPSA operates a bus service on the Girona–Torroella de MontgrĂ–L’Estartit route, which serves Sant Jordi Desvalls. Check the service departure times for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: El Prat de Llobregat, Argelaguer, Crespià , Albanyà , Sant Martà Del Clot, L’escala, Salitja, Cornellà Del Terri.
For the main travel overview: Girona.
