Santa Pau: Medieval Heritage and Volcanic Landscape

Santa Pau combines a medieval townscape with a landscape of volcanoes and forests. If you are considering staying in a hotel here, you can choose what to focus on according to your interests: architecture and history, nature watching, or trails and activities. The historic-artistic ensemble is classified as a BCIN, a Bien Cultural de Interés Nacional, and is listed in the Catalan Register of Cultural Assets of National Interest.

Medieval Ensemble and Culture in the Townscape

The medieval ensemble was built around the castle in the first quarter of the 14th century. The Firal dels Bous reveals another part of the town’s architectural history: this medieval arcaded square originated as a livestock market. Construction began in the 14th century; features from the early Gothic and Flamboyant Gothic periods, as well as Renaissance windows, have been preserved. These different styles offer specific details to look out for as you admire the architecture.

Artworks are also part of the townscape. In 1992, artists from Catalonia and Italy met in Santa Pau, and the works they created are now spread throughout the town. Another historic tradition is the Fira del Fesol, held shortly after Sant Antoni. If you plan to visit the fair, check the specific event dates.

Volcanoes, Forests and Distinctive Natural Sites

Santa Pau is part of the Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural Park. The municipality encompasses 13 volcanoes, and its landscape is also shaped by holm oak, oak and beech forests. The volcanic setting is also reflected in individual cultural sites: the hermitage of Santa Margarida de la Cot lies in the middle of a volcanic crater. Sant Vicenç del Sallent is a simple Romanesque building dating from the 12th century.

Other distinctive sites in the landscape include La Pedra del Diable and the Salt de Can Batlle. La Pedra del Diable is a megalithic monument made from a roughly worked block of basalt. Because it stands upright, it is described as a menhir. The Salt de Can Batlle is part of the Riera de Sant Martí and lies a few metres before it flows into the River Ser. On clear days, the Portal del Mar offers a view of the Bay of Roses. These sites reveal different aspects of the surrounding area: volcanic rock, waterways and a viewpoint whose views depend on clear weather.

Compare Trails and Activities

Park route 3b offers several ways to experience the surrounding area. Its main section begins at the Aparcament del Pont in Santa Pau and continues to Can Xel. Mountain biking and horse riding are possible along the entire route. A variant runs along the southern slope of the Santa Margarida volcano. Check local conditions before setting off. For planning purposes, the details vary according to the route section and activity; the information about cycling or riding a horse applies to the entire route.

A self-guided activity by the Espai Museístic dels Volcans follows a six-kilometre route around Santa Pau. Along the way, there are observation tasks relating to craters, lava flows and cinder pits. For those more interested in puzzles and local history, El Petit Quadern d’en Pau is a puzzle game for children aged six to twelve. It takes them through the medieval streets and invites them to solve puzzles and discover history, volcanoes, cultural heritage and traditions. The start and finish are at the Oficina de Turisme de Santa Pau, Av. dels volcans 14.

A la recerca del fesol amagat is a geocaching activity through notable sites in Santa Pau and the surrounding volcanic landscape. It covers approximately five kilometres and also starts and finishes at the Oficina de Turisme, Av. dels volcans 14. Unlike the six-kilometre observation route, this distance is given as approximate. Activity availability may change, so check the latest information before planning your visit.

Plan Your Journey and Stay

The public RUMBUS service connects Santa Pau with Les Preses, passing through the centre of Olot, the Fageda d’en Jordà and the Santa Margarida area. As no journey times or service frequency are specified here, check the latest service information before travelling. When choosing where to stay, you can also consider whether you want to focus mainly on the medieval ensemble, the volcanic landscape or one of the activities described above.

Discover more destinations: Bolvir, Sant Miquel De Fluvià, Brunyola, Salt, Borrassà, Cassà De La Selva, Palol d'Onyar, Vallfogona de Ripollès

For the broader travel overview: Girona.