Discover Vilanova de la Muga

Vilanova de la Muga brings together Romanesque art, historic water management, a clearly defined natural area and two events with distinct profiles. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay here, these themes can help you narrow down the reason for your trip: history and landscape offer different starting points, while the festivals provide a specific cultural focus.

Church, murals and traces of history

The Romanesque church of Santa Eulàlia was built in the 11th century. Its central nave was rebuilt between the 12th and 13th centuries, so the original construction and later rebuilding should be distinguished. Murals in the central nave depict a blessing Pantocrator, the Tetramorph and two six-winged cherubim. The imagery offers a specific insight into the town’s sacred art, while the building phases trace the church’s development. The remains of a villa can also be seen by the church, providing another archaeological point of interest.

Another chapter in the town’s history is visible at the Esclusa del Conde. The present-day sluice dates from the 17th century and still diverts water into the same irrigation channel serving the mill. It thus combines a historical date with an ongoing role in water management. The official cycling route between Castelló d’Empúries and Vilanova de la Muga leads to both the church of Santa Eulàlia and the Esclusa in the town. It therefore identifies two specific destinations where sacred art and water engineering can be distinguished.

The Muga and its natural surroundings

Vilanova de la Muga lies very close to the Muga River and is part of the Marismas del Empordà. The Camino Natural de la Muga continues from Castelló d’Empúries to Vilanova de la Muga. It connects the natural areas of Alta Garrotxa, les Salines and Penya-segats de la Muga, as well as the Marismas del Empordà Natural Park.

The cycling route and the Camino Natural offer different reference points for planning: the cycling route identifies the church and the sluice as destinations in the town, while the Camino Natural focuses on its route from Castelló d’Empúries to Vilanova and its links between several natural areas. This lets you distinguish the specific destinations in town from the broader connection between natural areas.

Fiesta Mayor and Festival de Pallassos i Pallasses

The Fiesta Mayor of Vilanova de la Muga takes place in December in honour of Santa Eulàlia and Santa Lucía. Its established programme includes a procession led by the Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezones, exhibitions, concerts and traditional Sardana dances. The celebration also includes activities for all age groups. If you would like to plan your stay around this festival, check the exact dates before travelling.

The Festival de Pallassos i Pallasses de Vilanova has a different focus. It offers performances and workshops in clowning, circus and animation, with more than fifteen performances across four stages. Unlike the Fiesta Mayor, the focus here is on stage performances and workshops, rather than a procession and Sardana dancing. The two events therefore offer different cultural reasons to visit.

Dining in Vilanova de la Muga

La Muga is a family-run restaurant at Carrer Major 26 in Vilanova de la Muga. It serves seasonal produce and home-style cooking. As a specific place to eat, it complements the town’s historical, landscape and cultural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Ullà, Sant Gregori, Riumors, Les Olives, Brunyola, Valveralla, Vilobí D'onyar, Sant Andreu Salou.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.