Olot – Castellfollit de la Roca – Monells
Olot, Castellfollit de la Roca, and Monells are three charming towns (villages) with a Medieval history.
OLOT
Although Olot has Medieval roots, it suffered significant damage from earthquakes in the early 15th century, which ultimately led to a positive outcome: a diverse range of multi-century architectural styles.
Today, it is known for its colorful, narrow shopping lanes, its architecture, a bullring that no longer hosts bullfights, and four volcanoes: Montolivet, Montsacopa, Garrinada, and Bisaroques, located in the Garrotxa Volcanic National Park.
The town also boasts several expansive, picturesque plaϛas (squares). When one enters the town center, one is greeted by a square beneath a forest of trees that turn to gold in the autumn season. It’s flanked by an assortment of eateries, stores, and restaurants.
The colorful, narrow, Carrer Sant Rafel shopping street winds its way up to Sant Esteve Parish Church, which towers over the Plaϛa del Rector Ferrer. Over the centuries, the church’s Romanesque façade was replaced by a combination of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical elements. While in the interior, Baroque artwork is featured in the high altar, and Rococo elements are showcased in the Parochial Treasury Museum and the dome of Capella de la Immaculada.
Casa Solà Morales is located on a beautiful, wide thoroughfare. Its façade displays two exquisite Greek-style “caryatids” – elegant female figures, that adorn the balcony. The house was initially built in 1781 as a private residence for the Solà family and underwent renovation in the early 20th century.
Hospital de Sant Jaume was founded in 1310. In the 16th century, it was relocated from the old city center to Sant Rafael Street. The Renaissance-style façade is the only remaining original element.
Plan on spending a couple of hours in Olot. If you want to visit the volcanoes, you’ll need to allow more time. You can do it by car; however, parking lots tend to fill up quickly in the peak season. The Volcanoes bus is also a good way to enjoy the park. Alternatively, choose a self-guided walking tour along the well-marked trails. Visit the tourist information booth near the “Can Serra” parking area to obtain a map of the area before setting off on your hike.
Take water, wear comfortable shoes, and carry a protein bar or two. Spring and fall are the best times. The summer sun can be brutal.
CASTELLFOLLIT DE LA ROCA
Castelfollit de la Roca is a fairytale village. It perches on the very peak of a black basalt hilltop like a bird looking out at its surroundings.
One must view it from below to appreciate how precariously it seems to balance atop the rock.
Drive up to the village and wander through the narrow lanes. Pop into the bakery and enjoy the village’s famous almond cookies, then make your way to the Mirador Plaϛa de Josep viewpoint on the edge of the cliff, for the most spectacular views.
MONELLS
Monells is a little gem that you’ll not find mentioned much in guidebooks. Its history can be traced to the early 10th century. Today, it is one of the Catalan villages with the most well-preserved and enchanting medieval legacy. The village is pristine and elegant. An ancient archway at its entrance entices one to wander the lanes lined with stone houses, boutique hotels, and stores.
In the autumn sunshine, the village walls, carpeted in peach-colored bougainvillea, greenery, and golden leaves, are reminiscent of an embroidered tapestry.
Today’s mansions stand beside ancient walls. The Jaumel-Plaϛa (town square) is hugged by small restaurants and buildings, old and new.
On display in the square is an ancient measuring stone used to measure grain as early as the 13th century. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Monells was a center in Catalonia for trading livestock and textiles.
Note: Catalonia villages begin to empty out in early October. However, the countryside is exquisite. It’s painted in nature’s gold, orange, yellow, burgundy, and red foliage.