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Cycling - Medieval villages
Price for this ride - 180 euros (up to 6 people) including bike hire. Route Vullpellac → Canapost → Peratallada → Palau-sator → Ullastret → Matajudaica → Casavells → La Bisbal d’Emporda → Fonteta → Vullpellac Departure and Destination point
Information A leisurely few hours spent cycling from one gorgeous medieval village to the next. There are plenty of opportunities to browse around the villages and to appreciate how life might have been in this fascinating region many years ago. Definitely well within the limits of all, as the cycling is done on flat and tranquil back roads. What to bring
Introduction In the 8th century the Baix Emporda was part of the Carolingian empire (Catalunya Vella – Old Catalonia) that fought against the Muslims. The remnants of the villages of this time are still very much in evidence and over time more and more effort is being made to restore and promote these beautiful villages. Start We start at Vullpellac, which is on the outskirts of La Bisbal d’Emporda – the commercial centre for locally produced ceramic in the area. The central point of the village is its castle which is built in Romanesque style. At the rear of the castle is the church of Sant Julia and Santa Basilissa. The church is Gothic style that was reformed in the 16th century. We take Carrer de la Unio that is next to the Town Hall and go through the Placa Llarga to continue on Carrer de Santa Basilissa Canapost – 2 . 4 kms from start Our first village is reached after less than 2.5kms. We can see its church of Sant Pere de Canapost, which again has been built in Romanesque style. Next to the church are the remains of a necropolis that date back to between the 5th and 8th centuries. We head out of Cananpost on the dirt track that leads us to Peratallada. Peratallada – 4 . 2 kms from start Peratallada name translates as “cut stone” which refers to the stone into which the village was literally cut into to build it. There is a large tower called ‘La Torre de l’Homenatge’ which belonged to the castle of the Lords of Peratallada. The church, of Sant Esteve, which is located on the outside of the walls of the village dates back to the 12th century. Peratallada has deservedly earned itself the reputation of being one of the gems of the medieval villages in the area and is well worth exploring on foot to get to know it better. There are some beautiful art and craft shops that sell locally created original pieces. Take some time to walk around the village and get to know it as you may well end up reserving a table at one of the restaurants or even book yourself a night or two’s accommodation in some of the beautifully restored hotels. Palau-sator - 6 . 5 kms from start This village still maintains its medieval defence arrangement that was formed by its perimeter walls. It has a castle that was originally built in the 10th century, but has been rebuilt and modernised many times since then. The village church of Sant Pere dates from the 12th century. We leave Palau-sator heading towards Ullastret. Ullastret – 11 kms from start Ullastret has a charming centre that is protected by the wall that encircled the village. The Gothic covered square is a standout feature of the village as are some of the beautiful houses that have been lovingly restored. There is the option to visit the ancient Iberian settlement of Ullastret that is only about 1.5kms away. This is the largest Iberian settlement in Catalonia and dates back to the 6th century BC. It has extensive defence walls that incorporate circular towers. There is a museum on Puig de Sant Andreu that outlines the important archaeological artefacts of the site. Matajudaica – 14 kms from start A very small village with the church of Sant Joan to visit. Casavells – 15 kms from start Another small village with the church of Sant Genis, built in the 12 century in Romanesque style. La Bisbal d’Emporda – 22 kms from start The old part of La Bisbal is worth visiting as it has many interesting streets and shops to wander around. It is worth having a look at some of the ceramic shops that sell the locally produced pieces. There are some excellent opportunities to look around and perhaps buy a something that you can pick up later, when you are not on the bicycle. Fonteta – 26 kms from start This little village is just on the outskirts of La Bisbal and is our last village that we go past before returning to our starting point of Vullpellac. Vullpellac – 27 kms from start Our destination has now been reached after a lovely few hours of exploring the timeless countryside and medieval villages of the Baix Emporda. It has given us a very different view of this ever changing area.
The Bike: Our bike for the tour is the Orbea Ravel with front suspension and suspension seat post. It is your perfect partner for riding the Carrilet as well as for the fantastic cycle touring routes that you will follow on this unforgettable tour.
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