Guide to Besalu, Northern Spain

Unique PointsLegend tells that witches supervise its production;
Besalu is a lovely medieval town. The 12thit is left outside for two weeks so that the magic
century Roman bridge over to the town is a realand power of the sun and the moon can
landmark(photo). The town sits where the Riverscontribute to its special flavour.
Fluvia and Capadella meet. If you are looking for aThere is an outdoor market on Tuesdays.
picturesque inland setting for a few days, Besalu isRestaurants
an ideal choice. It would take under an hour toMany of the restaurants in the area are members
drive from Girona airport,, well served by Ryanairof the Volcanic Cuisine organisation. The aim is to
flights from all over Europe. There is a lot to dopromote and encourage the traditional
and see in the area, the Garrotxa Volcanic Park,gastronomic style using local produce. There is a
the Dali Museum in Figueres, the coast, and thelist or restaurants on their site.
city of Girona.The Oliveras restaurant in Besalu has various set
History of Besaluand a la carte menus which start at 7.60 euros
Wilfred the Hairy, credited with the unification ofper person.
Catalonia, was born in Besalu in 878. He was soDay Trips
named as he was as hairy as a mountain troll,Girona You can easily spend a whole day in
even having hair of on the souls of his feet.Girona, there area several museums, you can
In the Middle Ages Besalu was the capital of awalk the city walls, visit the cathedral, do some
country which reached up to Corbieres, now inshopping.
France. Besalu was the birthplace of Ramon Vidal.Banyoles. The main attraction here is the lake,
a troubadour, a type of lyric poet who composedwhich you can walk around.
music and poetry usually on the topic of courtlyThe Dali Museum in Figueres, around 20kms east
love.of Besalu, is well worth a visit.
The Church of Sant Pere, in the main square wasThe Garrotxa Volcanic Park The park has around
originally part of a monastery built in 1003.thirty volcanic cones. The last eruption was
The Milova is a ritual Jewish bath dating from thearound 11,500 years ago, meaning that the
11th or 12th century. It is located near the Rivervolcanoes are inactive but not extinct. There are
Fluvia in the lower town. It was recentlyseveral walks through the park.
discovered and restored. You need to visit theWalking trails There are many marked trails in the
Tourist Office in the main square to obtain thearea
key.Museums There are two museums in the town
In December there is the Fiera de Ratafia. This isof Olot. The Volcanic Musuem and the ethnological
the local "firewater"; a grappa based sweet liquorComarcal de la Garrotxa.
flavoured with herbs, spices, coffee and nuts.