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.
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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.
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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.
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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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