The most authentic rural houses in Santa Pau
The town of Santa Pau has become a singular point in the Garrotxa area, as it has an architectural ensemble that transports you back centuries, to the medieval era. You can visit it from the town's main square or the porticoed galleries in the town centre, such as the Fageda d'en Jordà, the Croscat Volcano or the Margarida.
Santa Pau and its natural environment
Documents dating back to the years 925-935 already mention the castle of Santa Pau. Ponç, lord of Santa Pau, decided to take the name Santapau as his surname in the 13th century. The Santapau family became one of the most prominent of the Catalan nobility, and was linked to many companies of the Crown of Aragon.
So much so that Joana de Santapau had a son Berenguer d'Oms, the well-known governor of Mallorca in the 14th century: Berenguer d'Oms i de Santapau. The barony of ended in the 18th century: Manuel d'Oms i de Santa Pau was called the first Marquis of Castelldosrius. So, the barony of Santa Pau ended up in the hands of the Marquises of Castelldosrius.
What to do in Santa Pau during a stay in our rural houses?
Take a route through the Fageda d'en Jordà (a beech forest)
Apart from the numerous volcanoes in the area, one of the main tourist attractions of the Garrotxa Volcanic natural park is the Fageda d'en Jordà. Although autumn is the most recommended season to visit because of the color range of the beech leaves before they fall, it is true that throughout the year the place is worthy of a painting.
The usual route takes about an hour. With a 1.5km itinerary, you can take a leisurely walk enjoying the little things that the environment provides. In this way, the excursion is suitable for everyone, from the youngest to the most professional adults.
Climb the Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes
The route up the Croscat volcano is one of those that can be done in the volcanic area. Shaped like a horseshoe, it is about 160 meters high and 800 meters. At the summit there is an old defense tower and it has a crater on one of the slopes. Years ago it had been a quarry dedicated to the exploitation of clay, but nowadays its activity is mainly tourism.
The Santa Margarida volcano is home to the Romanesque chapel of Santa Margarida de Sacot. At almost 800 meters high, this volcano is one of the best known and most visited because of the nature that surrounds it, since, apart from the base, the rest of the volcano is completely covered by forests.
Stroll through the historic center and enjoy of the vacation rentals houses
In the medieval town of Santa Pau you will find places that will leave no one indifferent. The present-day Plaça Major was the village market in the Middle Ages. Today, in the completely irregular square, we find several galleries with arches, which makes it totally unique. In the same square we find the Parish of Santa Pau, a 15th century Gothic and Baroque church with a large bell tower.
Also in the historic center of Santa Pau is the Castle of Santa Pau. It began to be built during the 13th century, but it took centuries to become what we can see today; we can say that it grew as society evolved. It has a square floor plan and has a large central courtyard and a courtyard of weapons. Nowadays, inside the castle there is a restaurant.
The Portal de la Vila Vella was the gateway to the town when it was walled. Nowadays many people also call it Portal del Mar, because if the sky is clear you can see excellent views of the Bay of Roses.
Eat Santa Pau beans
Most of the restaurants in Santa Pau can offer you the most typical dish of the area: Santa Pau beans with Catalan sausage. It is a small bean that is grown in the volcanic area of Santa Pau, and its unique texture and flavor will certainly not leave anyone indifferent!
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