Discover Aiguaviva: La Crosa Crater and Historic Architecture

At 1,250 metres, La Crosa has the largest crater on the Iberian Peninsula and is one of the largest craters in Europe. La Crosa de Sant Dalmai is included in the PEIN plan for areas of natural interest in Catalonia. It lies between the towns of Aiguaviva, Estanyol and Sant Dalmai.

Other places in the same destination are: Romanyà d'Empordà, Setcases, Crespià, Rabós, Llers, Fontcoberta, Meranges, Torroella De Montgri.

Nature and Trails

From Girona, access to La Crosa de Sant Dalmai is via the GI-533 towards Santa Coloma de Farners, as far as the junction with the GI-540. A hiking route starting in Aiguaviva leads to the La Crosa crater and is 6.95 km long in total. Aiguaviva is characterised by a very flat landscape with the Güell River, small hills, cultivated fields, and cork oak and pine forests.

Geographical Location

Aiguaviva is located at kilometre seven of the GI-533 road from Girona to Santa Coloma de Farners. The Mare de Déu de Vilademany Chapel lies approximately 2.5 km southeast of Aiguaviva town centre.

Churches and Local History

The parish church of Sant Joan is considered the nucleus of Aiguaviva's old town centre and has been documented since 1246. Aiguaviva has a landmark consisting of a church and historic town centre, with a building of Romanesque origin.

The Mare de Déu de Vilademany Chapel is a building of Romanesque origin that already existed in 1116. For security reasons, the 15th-century alabaster image of the Mare de Déu de Vilademany is kept in the sacristy of the Sant Joan d’Aiguaviva parish church.

The former Vilademany Castle, now Mas Forroll, has been documented since 1 March 948. The Romanesque Chapel of Sant Jaume is now attached to Mas Forroll; its façade was renovated in the 16th century. From 1936 to 1989, the Chapel of Sant Jaume was no longer used for worship, before being restored and repaired in 1989.

El Temple is the former house of the Templar commandery of Aiguaviva. Its façade bears numerous crosses of the former military order, coats of arms and carved inscriptions. El Temple is also a surviving manor house from the Hospitaller period, a 16th-century building with later alterations and an attached Chapel of Santa Magdalena. The Aiguaviva commandery was primarily an agricultural establishment and had a chapel dedicated to Saint Magdalene.

Landscape, Agriculture and Local Tradition

Aiguaviva's historical identity is linked to the predominantly agricultural use of dryland fields for growing cereals, pulses and melons. The monument to Sant Dalmau was created by the artist Isaac d’Aiguaviva. According to local legend, the future Saint Dalmau Moner sat on the Pedra Dalmau while walking between Girona and Santa Coloma de Farners.

Festivals and Traditions

The Festa del Roser traditionally takes place on the first Sunday in May and includes a popular walking procession and a communal meal. The Festa dels Templers and the Sant Joan midsummer celebration take place around Sant Joan and include a traditional crafts market, exhibitions, various performances and a festive meal.

To the main travel overview: Girona.