Salitja: Springs, Festivals and History

Nature and Springs

The Fonts de Salitja are a hydrological phenomenon. They include springs and water outlets connected to the base of the Volcà de la Crosa, forming the Riudevila stream. Next to the Capella de Nostra Senyora de les Fonts, the spring is collected in a small basin. This basin was restored in 1995.

The connection between the various outlets and the stream describes a continuous watercourse at the base of the Volcà de la Crosa. The small basin next to the chapel marks the contained area of the spring, while the Riudevila forms the named stream course.

The Les Fonts de Salitja recreational area has picnic tables. The Les Fonts de Salitja car park is one of the nearest parking options for access to the Volcà de la Crosa.

History

Numerous storage pits were discovered beneath Plaça Major de Salitja. The find confirmed the importance of the agricultural activity of the settlements that inhabited La Crosa. A bronze statue of the god Mercury from the 1st century BC was also found beneath Plaça Major de Salitja. It was located in an Iberian trough.

The parish church of Santa Maria de Salitja has been documented since 1019. The present-day Santa Maria de Salitja church replaced a 13th-century building; the new church was constructed in the 18th century. Santa Maria de Salitja has a rectangular floor plan and a polygonal chancel.

The preserved bell tower of Santa Maria de Salitja dates from 1598. A pyramid crowns the bell tower.

Festivals and Music

The Aplec de les Fonts is a traditional gathering. The Nostra Senyora de les Fonts chapel serves as the meeting place. It is located about one kilometre from the centre of Salitja. The Aplec takes place in the first week of September. The gathering includes a communal meal as well as cultural and religious activities.

The Festa Major of Salitja includes activities for all age groups and takes place in August. The activities include parades. Performances for children are also part of the festival programme.

The Concurs de la Cançó de Salitja has a tradition spanning more than thirty years. It is open to musicians and singers of all styles.

The Aplec, the Festa Major and the Concurs de la Cançó represent different types of events held in Salitja throughout the year: a traditional gathering, the local main festival and a competition with a long musical tradition.

Regional Products

The Agrobotiga Mas Bes in Salitja sells its own and regional products. The range includes traditionally made ice cream, dairy products, honey and liqueurs. Eggs, pastries and chocolate are also among the products on offer.

The goods mentioned combine agricultural products such as dairy products, eggs and honey with traditionally made and processed specialities. These include ice cream, liqueurs, pastries and chocolate; both its own and regional products are sold.

Other Places

You can find more places here: La Pinya, Santa Maria de Solius, Sant Miquel de Cladells, Juià, Torroella De Fluvià, Ventalló, Bàscara, Sant Gregori.

For the higher-level travel overview: Girona.