Tortellá: Culture, Craft and Architectural History

Tortellá lies on a plain in the Alta Garrotxa and has been documented since the 10th century. When looking for a hotel in Tortellá, you can tailor your stay to your interests: architectural history and crafts, historic sites along the Llierca, or a route on foot and by bike. The different themes give you concrete ideas for planning your trip.

Crafts, Music and Local Life

The spoons from Tortellà carry the “Ofici Singular” accreditation from the Generalitat de Catalunya. The Fanals de cullera also draw on the spoon shape: they comprise around twenty spoon-shaped light features in Plaça Mercat and along Carrer de França and Carrer de Besalú. Another craft-related landmark is the Monument a la Xiruca. This sculpture by Manuel Solà pays tribute to the footwear that has been developed and manufactured in Tortellà since the 1950s. The local craft tradition is thus reflected both in an official distinction and in the town’s art and streetscape.

The town’s musical history includes the Sardana tradition, with nine cobla orchestras founded between 1875 and 1956. The Festa Major de Tortellà is a multi-day celebration featuring activities related to tradition, culture and music, as well as offerings for all age groups. Its 2026 edition was scheduled to run from 1 to 16 August. The festival programme and the town’s long-standing musical tradition thus offer two different ways to experience its culture.

Churches, Bridges and Historical Traces

The Església de Santa Maria dates from the 18th century and was built over the original Romanesque church. Its layout consists of a single-nave church with two side aisles, as well as an octagonal chapel topped by a tall dome. The building thus combines an older Romanesque foundation with a later architectural form.

The Pont del Llierca lies on the road to Sadernes. The medieval Pont del riu Llierca was most likely built in the mid-14th century at the behest of the lords of Sales. Its single semicircular arch has a span of 19.10 metres. The bridge links its historical context to a specific architectural feature.

The Bauma del Serrat del Pont archaeological site is also located by the Llierca river, about 50 metres from the Romanesque bridge. A wooden fence protects the site, and two information panels explain its archaeological significance. From Montagut, take the road to Sadernes; the route crosses the Llierca bridge. Road conditions can vary, so check them before setting out. The remains of the former church of Bellpuig are also within the municipality of Tortellà. They are apparently of Romanesque origin and belonged to the Bellpuig castle complex. They are on private land and are not signposted; take this restriction into account when planning your visit.

Industrial history also has a specific site: La Fàbrica Gran was built in 1784 and was used until 1852 to produce cotton stockings, textiles, indiennes fabrics and handkerchiefs. Its period of production distinguishes this historical site from the craft and musical traditions still celebrated today.

Walking Routes, Cycling and the River

A restored path in Tortellà leads from the Abeuradors, along the Camí dels Horts, to the washhouses. The Itinerari els Comuns leads to the dels Comuns quarry, a former stone extraction site. Extraction ended in 2010, and the area is currently being restored to nature. The two routes reveal different traces in the landscape: one connects water sources and washhouses, while the other passes through a former quarrying area undergoing change.

The circular cycling route through the Vall del Llierca is about 29 kilometres long and passes through Castellfollit de la Roca, Sant Jaume de Llierca, Argelaguer, Tortellà, Sales de Llierca and Montagut i Oix. Cyclists must dismount to cross the Pont del Llierca. Take this section into account when choosing your route. At the Pont del Llierca, you can go down to the river and swim during the hottest summer months. Check local conditions before your trip if you plan to spend time by the water during this season.

Discover more destinations: L'armentera, Les Preses, Sant Llorenç De La Muga, Roses, Castelló D’empúries, Ordis, Bescanó, Puigcerdá.

For the main travel overview: Girona.