Sant Jordi Desvalls: Medieval Townscape and Trails

The historic centre of Sant Jordi Desvalls has preserved an almost intact medieval street layout. Small sections of a battered wall, part of the oval medieval ring wall that once enclosed the settlement, are still preserved.

History

Near Sobrànigues, the remains of a paved road have been identified as a Roman road between Empúries and Girona. The church of Sant Jordi is mentioned in a historical document from 1136. Sant Feliu de Diana is an 11th-century church; its nave is not divided throughout, and its apse is not set apart. The chapel of Sant Mateu has been documented since the 14th century and appears to be of Romanesque origin.

Trails and Nature

The route to Sobrànigues crosses the agricultural and woodland landscape of Sant Jordi and then continues to the hamlet of Sobrànigues. It provides an opportunity to visit the 18th-century chapel of Sant Pere. The route also leads to an iron bridge over the Ter, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s French office. The trails around Sant Jordi are suitable for hiking and cycling, are mostly flat, well maintained, and have only a few significant climbs.

The 19.2-kilometre El Ter Mitjà mountain-bike route starts and ends in Sant Jordi Desvalls; along its course lie the municipalities of Sant Jordi, Viladasens and Cervià de Ter. The Diana i Sant Mateu route offers an alternative to the minor road, following a forest path to Sant Mateu. It starts in front of the church of Sant Jordi and returns to the centre of Sant Jordi Desvalls along the canal.

In the southern plain along the Ter, there are extensive poplar stands as well as riverside trees along the various watercourses. The Resclosa de Sant Jordi is an approximately 200-metre-long retaining wall with a height difference of more than three metres. It was built to prevent the river from overflowing towards Sant Jordi Desvalls. Access to the Resclosa de Sant Jordi follows the left bank of the river from the Sobrànigues ford, crosses the Furt de l’Illa, and then continues along the opposite bank.

Events

In May, nature walks are organised in Sant Jordi Desvalls during the Fira d’Herbes de Marge, leading from the banks of the Ter to the hills of Diana and Sant Mateu. The fifth Fira Pluja d’Art is scheduled to take place in Sant Jordi Desvalls from 18 to 20 September 2026. The Fira Pluja d’Art has previously featured musical performances, open-air shows and workshops.

Transport

AMPSA operates a bus service on the Girona–Torroella de Montgrí–L’Estartit route, which serves Sant Jordi Desvalls.

Other Places

Other places: Agullana, Llambilles, Sant Miquel de Cladells, Salitja, Ger, Selva, Salt, La Jonquera

For the higher-level travel overview: Girona.