Viladamat: Roman traces, churches and Puig Segalar

Viladamat lies on the alluvial plain on the right bank of the Fluvià and close to the coast. A small mountain range separates the valleys of the Fluvià and the Ter. Its highest point is Puig Segalar, at 179 m above sea level. From Viladamat, a path leads through Sant Feliu de la Garriga to the Puig Segalar viewpoint, which can be reached on foot or by bicycle.

History

The Tolegassos archaeological site comprises a small Roman villa, two family necropolises and a brick kiln. The villa was active from the 1st to the 4th century and was permanently abandoned in the middle of the 4th century. A Roman pottery kiln was also excavated south-west of Viladamat. Thus, the visible historical evidence ranges from a rural Roman complex to a single site associated with pottery production.

Churches and historic buildings

The church of Sant Feliu de la Garriga has been documented since 1060. Despite later alterations, Santa Eulàlia de Palauborrell still preserves a large part of its original pre-Romanesque structure. The church of Sant Quirze de Viladamat has a rectangular ground plan, with a semicircular exterior and a polygonal interior end. To the east of Viladamat church are the remains of the Gothic palace of the Pabordia.

Several rural buildings also feature distinctive architectural details. Mas Falgós, also known as Can Masarac, has Gothic and Renaissance windows as well as a portal with voussoirs. According to the keystone of its portal with voussoirs, Mas Escot dates from 1537 and has a quartered Renaissance window. In the area around Palauborrell, about 200 m south of the church, there is a medieval ice house that was completely rebuilt in the 17th century.

Landscape and paths

Puig Segalar combines a specific landscape landmark with an accessible route from Viladamat: the viewpoint can be reached on foot or by bicycle via the path that leads through Sant Feliu de la Garriga. The 179 m height of Puig Segalar also marks the highest point of the small mountain range, while the range separates the valleys of the Fluvià and the Ter.

When touring on foot or by bicycle, it is advisable to check the current path conditions before setting off.

Festivals and connections

Viladamat's Festa Major is dedicated to Sant Feliu and takes place at the beginning of August. The smaller local festival is celebrated in December. Buses provide connections with other towns and coastal destinations, linking Viladamat with Figueres and l'Escala.

For the Festa Major and the local festival, travellers should check the specific event dates and start times before arriving. For churches and historic sites, checking the current opening hours can help fit a visit into the day's itinerary.

More destinations

More destinations include Terrades, L'Alt Empordà, Sant Jordi Desvalls, Vilajuiga, Ger, Palamós, Torrent and Mollet de Peralada.

For the higher-level travel overview: Girona.