Sobrestany: Nature, Routes and Architectural History

Several specific themes are worth exploring during a stay in Sobrestany: the protected areas of the former lake of Bellcaire, a winter waterbird count, different routes and medieval buildings. They appeal to different interests. As for routes, you can choose between a circular walk or cycle around the area and the fourth stage of the Ruta del Montgrí y el Baix Ter, which passes through the Sobrestany neighbourhood and by Torre Ferrana. Santa Maria del Palau adds an architectural dimension to the local information.

Protected area and winter waterbird count

Since 2010, the areas of the former lake of Bellcaire have been part of the protected area of the Parc Natural del Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter. The Sobrestany area was one of three places included in the natural park’s winter waterbird count. The count took place in January 2021. These details complement one another without answering the same question: the protected-area designation describes the landscape setting, while the count focuses on waterbirds in winter. For your travel plans, these are two distinct connections with nature: a protected area and a specific count conducted at a particular time.

Circular route or fourth stage

The route type is a useful distinction when deciding how to get around. A circular route runs around the former lake of Bellcaire and can be explored on foot or by bike. The fourth stage of the Ruta del Montgrí y el Baix Ter also passes through the Sobrestany neighbourhood and by Torre Ferrana. The circular route specifies the ways you can travel; the stage provides specific reference points in the form of the neighbourhood and the tower. You can plan accordingly, choosing between a circular route and a particular section of the named route.

Church and tower

Santa Maria del Palau lies halfway between Sobrestany and L'Escala. This medieval hermitage is a rural Late Romanesque church with Cistercian influence; it is thought to have been built in the late 13th century. “Late Romanesque” identifies the architectural style, while the Cistercian influence adds another architectural characteristic. The estimated date provides a cautious timeframe.

At Torre Ferrana, other features take precedence: the tower has a square ground plan and machicolations on all four sides. The ground plan describes its shape, while the reference to the machicolations adds a detail found on every side. In contrast to the church, the focus here is on the basic form and architectural features. The two buildings therefore offer different architectural points of interest; the fourth stage passes explicitly by Torre Ferrana.

Rice cultivation in the area of the former lake

An agricultural perspective also forms part of the area’s character. Rice is once again an important crop of excellent quality in the area of the former lake of Bellcaire. This adds another dimension to the landscape, routes and buildings: the importance of rice cultivation in this area. If you are interested in agriculture and regional produce, you can make this a distinct theme in planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Estartit, Els Griells, La Torre Vella, El Mas Pinell

Go to the main travel overview: Torroella De Montgri.