Bàscara: Walls, Nature and Traditions on the Fluvià

Culture and History

Bàscara preserves a significant part of its walled enclosure. The two wall sections of this enclosure are connected by the so-called Torre de la Presó. A wall walk led to the tower from the eastern wall. It is still preserved, although it has been renovated. The church of Sant Iscle de Bàscara stands in the upper part of the town. It is located on the edge of the cliff above the Fluvià. The remains of the episcopal castle have also been preserved in Bàscara.

Landscape and Nature

Bàscara lies on the southern bank of the Fluvià, on a cliff. This creates a landscape with numerous springs and small natural areas. Near Bàscara, the course of the Fluvià has created a landscape of cliffs, springs and natural caves. This landscape is suitable for outdoor exploration. Riparian forests lie along the banks of the Fluvià near Bàscara. They are home to many bird species. These riparian forests are suitable for birdwatching and photography. Cliffs, springs, caves and riparian forests are therefore among the different landscape features along the river. This provides various habitats side by side for outdoor observation, while the bird species in the riparian forests form a particular focus.

Traditions and Markets

The Pessebre Vivent de Bàscara has been associated with annual performances in the town's old quarter and on the banks of the Fluvià since Christmas 1973. Bàscara's weekly market takes place every Sunday on the Plaça Major. The Mercat dels Tortells takes place on the Sunday before Palm Sunday. It is a festival dedicated to the popular Tortells. The Tortells are prepared with marzipan, cream, fruit or pine nuts. Traditionally, godparents give them to their godchildren. The local traditions are thus spread across different times and places: the Pessebre Vivent connects the old quarter and the riverbank, the weekly market brings the Plaça Major into play on Sundays, and the Mercat dels Tortells follows the calendar before Palm Sunday. With the Tortells, both the different fillings and their passing from godparents to godchildren are part of the inherited tradition.

Getting Around

The Parc de la Resclosa lies on the banks of the Fluvià. It has an area for equestrian performances. One of the two sections of the Camí de Sant Jaume through Catalonia runs through Bàscara. The Parc de la Resclosa thus complements the riverside landscape with an explicitly designated area for equestrian performances. The route of a section of the Camí de Sant Jaume also creates a connection with a route through Catalonia. In Bàscara, riverbanks, historical traces, local events and a section of this pilgrimage route thus come together.

Other places include Calabuig and Orriols.

For the overarching travel overview: Girona.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Forallac, Pontós, Palamós, Rabós, Siurana, Cassà De La Selva.