Les Preses: Volcanic Landscapes, Forest Trails and History

From the Mirador de Puig Rodó, the view from an altitude of 905 metres extends across the entire Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa. The surrounding area of Les Preses also includes the Puig Rodó summit, Puig Bronzer mountain, Roca Lladre summit and les Agulles summit. These four named landscape destinations complement the viewpoint with further references to summits and mountains.

Other places in the same broader area include Viladamat, Bàscara, Biure, Sant Feliu De Pallerols, Sant Martí De Llémena, Sant Gregori, Roses and Sant Ferriol.

Nature

The Parc de Pedra Tosca in the Bosc de Tosca lies on a lava flow emitted by the Puig Jordà volcano around 17,000 years ago. In 1982, the Bosc de Tosca was incorporated into the Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural Park and thereby protected. Its volcanic origin and subsequent protected status are therefore among the defining features of this natural area.

The Can Serra therapeutic forest covers 9.10 hectares, and its circular route is 1,200 metres long. A therapeutic forest trail runs through the Bosc terapèutic singular de can Serra, also known as Bosc de “Salvador Grau”. A walk through the old forest is intended to foster a personal connection with nature.

Xenacs has a 500-metre-long botanical educational trail with more than 70 signs providing information about plant species in the area. The Àrea Recreativa de Xenacs also offers an information hut, a picnic area, barbecue facilities and signposted paths. Thus, Xenacs combines botanical information with facilities for taking a break outdoors.

Trails

The Via Verda Ruta del Carrilet is intended exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists. The route follows the course of the former narrow-gauge railway between Olot and Girona. The former railway line provides the historical connection for this route, while its current use is restricted to walking and cycling.

Culture and History

The Torre de Murrià was an ancient Roman watchtower. During the Carlist Wars, it was converted into a tower for optical telegraphy. The structure therefore combines Roman origins with a later military use.

The first references to the Sant Pere church in Les Preses date from 922. The documented history of this church site therefore goes back to the early Middle Ages.

There are two museums in the surrounding area of Les Preses: the Museu Dels Sants D'Olot and the Museu de la Garrotxa. Both are located nearby and complement the landscape attractions with cultural destinations.

The surrounding area of Les Preses also includes Sant Miquel de Castelló Castle and the Molí Fondo Museum. The castle and museum add two further historical and cultural sites to the destinations in the area.

To the broader travel overview: Girona.