Terrades Among Mountains: Churches, Trails and Cherry Market

Terrades lies among the mountains in the basin of the Rissec and Murga streams, surrounded by a small valley.

Other places to include in your travel plans are Santa Cristina De Aro, Massanes, El Prat de Llobregat, Foixà, Cadaqués, Garriguella, Cornellà Del Terri and Vilamaniscle.

Geographical setting

The Ermita de Santa Magdalena stands 570 metres above sea level. The Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Salut is located on a heavily wooded slope in the Vall de Santa Magdalena, at an elevation of 400 metres. The Ermita de Santa Magdalena stands on the summit of the mountain of the same name, at an elevation of 527 metres, and offers sweeping views over the surrounding area and a large part of the comarca.

The road from Figueres to Terrades also passes through a varied landscape: it crosses a valley with agricultural land and forests.

History

The present-day Església parroquial de Santa Cecília was built in 1954 to replace the Romanesque predecessor church, which had completely disappeared. The former Romanesque Església de Santa Cecília was completely destroyed in February 1939.

The Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Salut was founded by Mossèn Felip Olivet; its original chapel was inaugurated on 8 September 1681. Many guilds and organisations present offerings to the Mare de Déu at the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Salut every year. The Ermita de Sant Sebastià lies half a kilometre from Terrades, probably dates from the 17th century, and has been restored several times.

Nature

The Camí Natural de la Muga runs through Terrades and forms part of a route approximately 40 kilometres long. It can be completed on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The traditional Cursa-Marxa de muntanya route also starts in Terrades. Before setting out on a planned tour, current trail conditions and the conditions for the chosen means of transport should be checked in advance. The approximate route length indicates the extent of the route, while the possible means of transport influences the day's planning.

Experiences

The Ruta BTT 30 heads west from Terrades along the Rissec and through pine forests to the Font Pudosa. It then continues via Sant Llorenç de la Muga and along the GI-511, passing the Ermita de Santa Magdalena and cherry orchards on the way back to Terrades.

From the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Salut, a pleasant 30-minute walking path leads to the Ermita de Santa Magdalena.

Culture

The Fira-Mercat de la Cirera de Terrades is always held on the first Sunday in June. It features stalls selling cherries, handicrafts and regional products. Up to 16 varieties of cherries are grown in the municipalities of Terrades and Llers. If you plan to visit the Fira-Mercat, check the event date again before travelling, as the market is tied to a specific Sunday in the calendar.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.