Holiday apartment in Fontcoberta: Nature and Romanesque architecture

Water

The Platja d’Espolla is a temporary pond. It is fed by underground water flows, not by river water flowing in from the surface. The combination of temporary water and underground water supply makes the Platja d’Espolla a rare form of lagoon; in the surrounding region, it is considered the best-known example of its kind. Amphibians and aquatic invertebrates can live in this body of water without major aquatic predators such as fish. Its temporary nature means that the body of water does not remain permanently as a constant expanse of water. It is precisely the combination of fluctuating water levels and underground water supply that defines the Platja d’Espolla’s distinctive appearance.

Nature

The hamlet of Fares in Fontcoberta is home to the Alzines Reclamadores, two monumental trees. The Pi Gros d’en Famada has the largest known trunk of any stone pine (Pinus pinea) in the comarca. Its circumference is 3.70 metres. Thus, alongside the temporary body of water, the landscape of Fontcoberta features a natural monument with clearly measurable dimensions.

Culture

The Església Parroquial de Sant Feliu de Fontcoberta is a church dating from the late 12th century. It was built over an earlier structure from the 10th century. The Església Parroquial de Sant Feliu de Fontcoberta contains a polychrome marble image of the Verge del Patrocini from the 14th century.

The Campanar de Fontcoberta is a square bell tower. Its style is Lombard-influenced and Romanesque. The tower was built at the same time as the church. The Ermita de la Mare de Déu de la Font is a Romanesque building. It dates from the late 12th century and was documented in 1261. The construction history of the church thus connects the earlier structure with the medieval church, the image, and the bell tower built at the same time.

History

The Castell d’Espasens was a fortified house. It dated from the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, it has fallen completely into ruin. Its present condition therefore differs considerably from the building’s original function.

The festival of Sant Galderic is celebrated in the Pla de Martís to the north. The celebration has taken place there every year since 12 October 1990. This annual celebration complements the historic buildings with a continuing tradition in the municipality.

Other places on the same level are Palol d'Onyar, Porqueres, Palau Saverdera, Macanet De Cabrenys, Forallac, Gombrèn, Hostalric and Parlavà.

Trails

The Ruta de les fonts i del patrimoni de Fontcoberta is a local hiking trail. It passes through the landscapes of the municipality of Fontcoberta. Several springs are visited along this route. Cultural heritage features and the Alzines Reclamadores are also among its destinations. The route therefore connects natural water sources, cultural heritage, and the monumental trees in the hamlet of Fares within a single municipality.

Those travelling with a stroller can plan the Ruta de la platja d’Espolla as a level walking route. Roca Foradada is a Palaeolithic archaeological site. It is located on the northeastern side of the Espolla depression. The trails therefore lead both to a level walking route and to an archaeological site at the depression.

From Banyoles, the route passes through Vilavenut. After approximately two more kilometres, turn right onto an unpaved road. This road is easy to drive on and leads to the church of Santa Caterina. The church stands on a small hill. Thus, in the route description, Banyoles and Vilavenut are followed by the turn onto the unpaved section and the destination at Santa Caterina.

To the higher-level travel overview: Girona.