Discover Estanyol: Volcanic Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Nature and Trails

An official route is called “Volta al Volcà de la Crosa”. This route is a circular trail. The trail is 5 km long. The approximate duration of the complete circuit is 1 hour and 30 minutes. The route includes five geological points of interest. Information panels are placed along the route. They explain the history of the volcano. They also explain its natural values. At several stops, the five points make the geological character of the trail visible. Together with the panels, they create a sequence of information that connects the circular trail, beyond its physical dimensions, with the history and natural values of the volcano.

Volcanic Landscape

The Volcà de la Crosa is located in the province of Girona. It lies between Sant Dalmai (Vilobí d’Onyar) and Estanyol (Bescanó). The large crater of the Volcà de la Crosa has a diameter of 1,250 metres. The volcano includes areas of Mediterranean woodland. The area also comprises meadows, grassland and agricultural land. At least 14 species found at the Volcà de la Crosa are classified as protected under Decree 172/2022 of 20 September. The volcano contains a mosaic of different habitats. This mosaic provides a habitat for diverse wildlife. The size of the crater is set within a finely varied surrounding landscape: woodland, meadows, grassland and agricultural land together form the described area. The habitat mosaic thus identifies several landscape elements and the diverse wildlife found within them.

The Onyar Headwaters

The route “La capçalera de l’Onyar” runs through the headwaters of the Onyar River. Its course lies on the boundary between Gironès and La Selva. The river’s headwaters are therefore identified as a distinct landscape area along the route. The border location encompasses the two regional references, Gironès and La Selva. The route’s name links the river’s name with its headwaters and at the same time places this landscape area between the two aforementioned regional areas.

Culture and History

Mas Sitjar is one of the named stops on the municipal “Ruta d’Estanyol” route in Bescanó. The remains of the Poblat ibèric del puig d’en Cendra were excavated. The excavations took place over several campaigns. These campaigns served to research and preserve the remains.

The present-day Església de Sant Andreu d'Estanyol was built between 1702 and 1708. Its construction period therefore spans the beginning to the end of this period. The church was built in the Baroque style. The plans for its construction were drawn up by the master builder Agustí Soriano. The present-day church also includes the bell tower from the 15th century. This bell tower has survived from the former church. Its connection with the former church distinguishes it from the Baroque structure of the present-day Església de Sant Andreu d'Estanyol. The Ruta d’Estanyol therefore brings together different historical points of reference: Mas Sitjar as a named stop, the excavated remains of the Iberian settlement and the present-day church. At the Església de Sant Andreu d'Estanyol, the Baroque structure from the early 18th century and the older bell tower from the 15th century also stand side by side. Both dates refer to different parts of the building and make its history of construction across two periods visible.

Another destination is Montfullà.

To the main travel overview: Bescanó.