Vilanova de la Muga: Romanesque Architecture, Festivals and Nature

History and Buildings

The Romanesque church of Santa Eulàlia in Vilanova de la Muga was built in the 11th century. Its central nave was rebuilt between the 12th and 13th centuries. The wall paintings in the central nave depict a blessing Pantocrator. The Tetramorph and two six-winged cherubim are also among the motifs shown there. The remains of a villa can also be seen at the church of Vilanova de la Muga.

The different dates place the church within a longer building history: the 11th-century Romanesque structure was followed by the rebuilding of the central nave in the 12th and 13th centuries. The aforementioned wall motifs are concentrated in the central nave; the remains of a villa can additionally be seen at the church as another visible trace in the surroundings of the building.

The present-day Esclusa del Conde dates from the 17th century. It continues to divert water into the same irrigation channel of the Molí. The lock is therefore also connected with the ongoing flow of water into the Molí irrigation channel.

Trails and Nature

The official cycling route between Castelló d’Empúries and Vilanova de la Muga leads within Vilanova de la Muga to the church of Santa Eulàlia and the Esclusa del Conde. The Camino Natural de la Muga continues from Castelló d'Empúries to Vilanova de la Muga. This route therefore names both Castelló d'Empúries as its starting point and Vilanova de la Muga as another place along the route.

The Camino Natural de la Muga connects the natural areas of Alta Garrotxa, les Salines and Penya-segats de la Muga, as well as the Marismas del Empordà Natural Park. Vilanova de la Muga is very close to the Muga River. The village also belongs to the Marismas del Empordà.

Festivals and Events

The Fiesta Mayor of Vilanova de la Muga takes place in December in honour of Santa Eulalia and Santa Lucía. Various activities for all age groups are offered during this Fiesta Mayor. A procession is part of the programme and is led by the Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezones. Exhibitions and concerts are also included in the programme. Traditional Sardana dances are another part of the Fiesta Mayor.

The Festival de Pallassos i Pallasses de Vilanova offers various performances featuring clowning, circus and entertainment. The festival also includes workshops in these three areas. More than fifteen performances take place at this festival across four stages.

Cuisine

La Muga is a family restaurant at Carrer Major 26 in Vilanova de la Muga. It offers seasonal products and home cooking. The address and the offerings are therefore directly connected with a restaurant within Vilanova de la Muga.

Other Places

Other places under the same destination are Viladamat, Fontanals De Cerdanya, Ullà, Amer, Borrassà, Cantallops, Toses and Palafrugell.

For the overview of the wider travel destination: Girona.