Discover Fornells de la Selva

The Ruta del Pla Gironès Sud passes through Fornells de la Selva, is 35 kilometres long and connects with the Ruta del Carrilet, which you can follow as far as Girona or Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The Barcelona–Portbou railway line began operating through Fornells de la Selva in 1885. It runs through the town and has a railway station in the town centre. The present-day station was built around 1920 and displays architectural features typical of many stations along the Barcelona–Portbou line.

Culture

The parish church is dedicated to the martyr Saint Cugat, who lived in the 3rd century. Its interior features Gothic forms, three chapels on each side and remarkable polychrome keystones. The bell tower was completed in 1620. The main portal features Renaissance forms.

Fornells de la Selva railway station houses the railway museum of the Associació d’Amics del Ferrocarril de les comarques gironines. The museum offers visits by appointment. Next to the station is a one-kilometre model railway circuit.

The Centre Cívic i Cultural «La Sitja» is located in the town’s former grain store. It has become the centre of year-round cultural activities in Fornells de la Selva. The municipal theatre at the Centre Cívic i Cultural «La Sitja» hosts local amateur and professional theatre performances, children’s films, concerts for all age groups, lectures and school performances. Fornells de la Selva also celebrates the Fira d’Artesania i Locomoció.

History

Castell de Fornells stands on the site of a former farmhouse that was demolished. The chapel of Santa Maria next to Castell de Fornells dates from 1122. It is currently in ruins. Torre del Governador is a fortified farmhouse dating from the 15th century. It retains a round-arched portal with voussoirs and several stone-framed windows. Font de Can Pou dates from 1854. The characteristic surroundings of Castell de Fornells were used for many years to stage a living nativity scene.

The historical traces are not confined to individual dates: the church, railway station, castle, tower and fountain reveal different building purposes and periods. The chapel of Santa Maria stands in ruins next to the castle, while the portal and windows of Torre del Governador have survived. The former use of the surroundings for a living nativity scene is also part of the town’s inherited history.

Other places

You can find other places in the same broader destination area here: Besalú, Terrades, Sales De Llierca, Santa Maria de Solius, Palau Saverdera, Riudaura, Santa Pau, Breda.

Landscape

The municipal area of Fornells de la Selva is characterised by flat landscapes combining cultivated fields and woodland with old farmhouses and country estates. On some Sunday mornings, the «tren de vapor viu» circuit offers children rides on a scale-model steam railway.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.