Discover Juià: Castell de Juià Castle and Trails

History

Medieval documents mention Castell de Juià Castle as early as the beginning of the 11th century in the County of Girona. The historical origins of Juià are linked to this castle, which was called “Castrum Julianum”.

Castell de Juià belonged to a group of fortresses. These fortresses were located in the foothills of the Gavarres and belonged to the Diocese of Girona. The defensive moat that once surrounded the castle is preserved around the remains of the castle. A metal walkway at the remains leads to the upper section.

Several historical layers therefore come together in one place: the early mention in medieval documents, the name “Castrum Julianum”, and its integration into a group of fortresses. The preserved moat points to the site’s former function, while the metal walkway provides access to the upper section of the remains.

Culture

The parish church of Sant Pere is a Renaissance building from the 17th century. The original building may have been Gothic. In 1276, a community of donates existed in the chapel of Sant Joan de l’Erm.

The plague of 1348 left only one surviving nun in Sant Joan de l’Erm. The community of Matella and Sant Joan de l’Erm eventually settled there. It may have been a single community formed by the nuns of Santa Coloma de Matella. Flooding in 1327 had affected their monastery.

The history of the town thus extends beyond the castle and parish church to the religious communities of Sant Joan de l’Erm and Matella. Several dates provide the chronology: 1276 for the community of donates, 1327 for the flooding, and 1348 for the plague. The possible connection with the nuns of Santa Coloma de Matella remains identified as a possibility.

Nature

Juià lies in the north of the Gavarres. A wooded part of the municipality of Juià extends onto the Muntanya de Àngels. The part of the municipality near the Ter River is flat.

Different types of landscape therefore coexist within the municipality: wooded areas extend to the Muntanya de Àngels, while the area near the Ter River is flat. This geographical setting describes both the connection with the Gavarres and the contrast between wooded terrain and flatter land.

Trails

The Itineraris Saludables in Juià run through both the town centre and the surrounding area. They are permanently signposted. The trails promote moderate physical activity, especially walking. Route 147 Sant Martí Vell–Juià–Castell de Juià is a gentle circular hiking trail that passes through Juià.

The trails in Juià therefore include both the town centre and the surrounding area. The Itineraris Saludables are permanently available and are designed for moderate physical activity, especially walking. Route 147 complements this trail network as a gentle circular hiking trail with stops at Sant Martí Vell, Juià, and Castell de Juià.

Other Places

Other places in the same wider area include Olot, Sant Ferriol, Llagostera, Darnius, Sant Pere Pescador, Ger, Riumors, and Pontós.

To the wider travel overview: Girona.