Llabià: Hilltop Village, History and Panoramic Views

Village Character

Llabià is a small settlement situated on a hill. Two main axes structure the village: carrer major and carrer del Mar. Original sculptures can be seen on carrer major. Oxidised iron is one of the materials used for these sculptures. Recycled materials are also part of the works. The sculptures were donated by the sculptor Josep Coll. Most of the houses in Llabià have been restored. These restorations preserved their historic appearance. Several doorways and windows from the 16th and 17th centuries are still present. The streetscape therefore brings together preserved historic architectural elements and distinctive works made from different materials, without the original details of the houses having been lost.

History

The church of Sant Romà de Llabià stands at the highest point of the village. The village lies on a hill almost completely surrounded by the plain. From the church, extensive views stretch across a large part of the comarca. Llabià also offers panoramic views over the plain of Ullastret. A document from the Augustinian canonry of Santa Maria d’Ullà dating from 1182 lists Sant Romà de Llabià among the parish churches. In this document, ownership of the parish church was confirmed to the priory. The church is therefore both a visible part of the present-day settlement and connected to a documented history of ownership. Its position at the highest point makes the village’s topographical setting immediately understandable.

Paths and Landscape

The path follows the GR-92 north-westwards to Puig de la Font Pasquala. After the descent, the path continues towards Llabià. Puig de la Font Pasquala offers panoramic views over the entire Baix Ter plain. The view extends from the Montgrí Massif to Cap de Begur. The Medes Islands are also visible. Stage 6 of the Ruta dels Indiketes leads directly to Llabià. It then continues up carrer major. Llabià can be reached via a short road. This road branches off near Serra de Daró from the local road between Canapost and Serra de Daró. Other paths lead from Gualta to Llabià. Another path leads there from the road between Parlavà and Torroella de Montgrí. Thus, the area around the village includes both a marked long-distance trail connection and several named road and path connections. The landscapes range from the plains of Baix Ter and Ullastret to the aforementioned massifs, Cap de Begur and the Medes Islands. The viewpoints and routes remain tied to specific place and landscape names.

Culture

The Festa Major de Llabià includes a Sardana performance. The Festa Major is celebrated on 26 May. The date links the local festive tradition to a clearly defined day in the calendar.

For the overarching travel overview: Fontanilles.