The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Besalú, Catalonia
Located in the northern part of Catalonia, near the city of Girona and the foothills of the Pyrenees, Besalú is a small town with an important history. A significant economic and political hub during the Middle Ages, it was also a cultural melting pot where peaceful cohabitation between Christians and Jews was sustained for a number of centuries. Today it’s one of Catalonia’s most stunning medieval sites and a popular tourist destination: here are ten things not to miss when visiting Besalú.
1. The medieval bridge
Bridge
2. The Jewish mikvé bath
There was a significant Jewish community which arrived in Besalú around the 9th century according to some accounts, living in peace among the Christians until the time of the pogroms in the 15th century. One of the most remarkable remnants from this time is the mikvé, a type of bath used in religious ceremonies, which dates back to the 12th century and is the oldest of its kind and one of only five in Spain.
The Jewish neighbourhood
Although for much of their time in Besalú the Jews lived among the Christians, there are traces of a small Jewish quarter around the mikvé baths which is where the ancient synagogue stood. Known as the call in Catalan, the area consists of a small group of houses along narrow alleyways. Look carefully to the left of the doorway of certain houses near Plaça de la Llibertat and you’ll notice an indentation where the mezuzah or piece of parchment containing verses of the Torah was kept.
3. The Sant Pere Monastery
Monastery
4. The Museum of Miniatures and Microminiatures
Museum
5. The church of Sant Vicenç
Church
6. The Sant Julià pilgrim's hospital
Building, Monastery
This 12th-century building operated as a hospital and refuge for pilgrims who made the journey to Besalù and were attended by the monks of the Sant Pere monastery. The facade is truly impressive and one of the most well-preserved of its kind in Catalonia, boasting four capitals with depictions of animals and Corinthean leaves.
The Casa Llaudes
This 13th-century townhouse is a fine example of the Romanesque architecture in vogue at the time and is incredibly well-preserved for its age. The house was built by the Cornellà family, one of the most distinguished families in Besalú at the time, and is still sometimes referred to as the Casa Cornellà, Llaudes being the name of the family which acquired it in the 15th century.
7. Eat at the Pont Vell restaurant
Restaurant, Mediterranean
Hike to the Sagrat Cor chapel
Finally, finish your visit to Besalú with a picturesque walk in the surrounding countryside to make your way to the small Sagrat Cor or ‘Sacred Heart’ chapel. Located on a hill overlooking the town, it offers splendid panoramic views and getting there involves a scenic route through fields and tree-lined paths.
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