Llanars: Romanesque Heritage, Nature and Trails

In the Alta Vall de Ter, Llanars is set amid an open, sunny landscape of meadows and fields. The Ter runs through Llanars in a rural Pyrenean setting with numerous streams. The Riera de Feitús is a tributary of the Ter in Llanars. The vegetation varies according to altitude; black pines and firs predominate in the area. Feitús lies amid deciduous forests.

Culture and Architecture

Sant Esteve de Llanars is a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. On 10 November 1168, it was consecrated by the Bishop of Girona, Guillem de Peratallada. The church contains an original polychrome wooden altar frontal dedicated to Saint Stephen, dating from the second half of the 12th century; it is the only one in the Ripollès comarca that has been preserved in situ.

The Pont d'Espinalba is a single-arch bridge approximately 10 metres long and 4.45 metres wide. It is easily accessible just outside Llanars, in the direction of the hamlet of Espinalba.

Trails and Views

Llanars offers numerous routes for walking or mountain biking (BTT). Font de la Verge del Raïm can be reached via an Itinerànnia trail towards La Roca. From the centre of Llanars, the trail follows Carrer de la Cerdanya and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Font de la Verge del Raïm.

On the way to Font de la Verge del Raïm, the route passes the Central Hidroelèctrica de Bassols hydroelectric power station, built in 1904. In Feitús stands the Oratori de Sant Pere, which was rebuilt in 1949. The Oratori de Sant Isidre is located at an elevated point between two streams; from there, one of the municipality's most photographed views can be enjoyed.

On the Sunday following the feast day of Saint Peter, the rosary is recited at the Oratori de Sant Pere, the municipality is blessed and an offering is made.

Festivals and Culinary Calendar

The Festa Major de Llanars takes place every year on the fourth weekend of September and includes activities for all age groups from Friday to Tuesday. The Festa Petita – Sant Esteve takes place every year on 26 December and includes a concert and an evening of dancing in the Sala de Festes de Llanars.

The Fira de Pagès i Fira Forestal features demonstrations of hand milking, sheep shearing, wood splitting, scythe sharpening and sausage making. Around Carnival, the Temporada gastronòmica de la Matança i la Quaresma forms part of Llanars's culinary calendar. After summer, the Temporada gastronòmica de la Trumfa follows in the culinary calendar.

Find more places here: Peralada, Ventalló, Llampaies, La Tallada D'empordà, Les Olives, Campdevànol, Navata, Quart.

To the higher-level travel overview: Girona.