Cantallops between History and Albera

Cantallops combines medieval history, winegrowing, paths through the landscape and local traditions. Specific sites range from religious and archaeological heritage to vineyards, a route into a protected area and seasonal events.

Other directly linked places are Cornellà Del Terri, Canet D'adri, Cruïlles, Monells i Sant Sadurní de l'Heura, El Prat de Llobregat, Colera, Riudarenes, Santa Cristina De Aro and Massanes.

History

The history includes more than just the castle. Cantallops Castle has been documented since the 13th century. The partially preserved remains include a fragment of the wall and a surviving tower, which was reused in the 19th century as the bell tower of Sant Esteve Church. Sant Esteve was formerly the castle chapel and has been documented since 1279 under the name “ecclesia de Cantalupis”. The church preserves parts of a Romanesque structure from the 11th century; side chapels were added in the 18th century.

Archaeology

Another historical layer can be found at mas Baleta. The Dolmen del mas Baleta II is a small megalithic stone cist near mas Baleta. The excavation of this site uncovered bones and fragments of handmade pottery.

Wine

Winegrowing brings cultivation and historical use together. Vinyes dels Aspres is located in Cantallops; its vineyards have been family-owned for generations, and the winery favours traditional grape varieties. The winery is located in Can Batlle, a manor house mentioned since the 17th century, where wine, oil and cork were traditionally produced. A visit to Vinyes dels Aspres is not limited to the nearby vineyards: it also includes the winery's facilities, the new vinification cellar, the old ageing cellar and a tasting of its own wines.

Routes

Camins de Cantallops is a hiking route through the municipal area. The Ruta dels Aspres i l'Albera is 42.63 kilometres long and includes Cantallops. The driveable lower section of this route continues through Cantallops to Castell de Requesens. In the Paratge Natural de l’Albera, the route from Cantallops to Requesens is considered the access route from Cantallops into the protected area. TEISA is listed as a bus company in Cantallops' local transport guide.

Nature

During the spring migration, birds held up by strong Tramuntana winds use the ponds of Albera as stopover sites, feeding grounds and resting places. The ponds therefore serve the animals both as a place to stay during migration and as a place to find food.

Traditions

Every year on Saint John's Day, Cantallops hosts a traditional procession to the Santuari de Requesens. The remains of the medieval Augustinian nunnery of Sant Bartomeu de Bell-lloc are also located in Cantallops. During the Castanyada popular on All Saints' Day, a basket is raffled at 6 p.m. in the hall of Societat La Concòrdia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Girona.