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Catalonia is filled with beautiful medieval villages for a getaway steeped in history, culture, and architectural beauty. Stroll through cobbled streets, visit impressive castles, and enjoy spectacular landscapes that will transport you to the Middle Ages. Plus, they're perfect for taking amazing pictures that will be a hit on Instagram. From Besalú to Siurana, these medieval villages will captivate you with their unique charm. Are you ready to discover them?
Besalú (La Garrotxa)
Prepare your camera, a water bottle, and good footwear. Our journey through the best medieval villages of Catalonia begins! The first stop is Besalú, in La Garrotxa. To start, we recommend crossing the impressive Besalú bridge, an 11th century stone bridge, that had a defensive purpose, and let yourself get lost in its cobbled streets and the Jewish quarter, where the miqvé is located, a Jewish ritual bath from the 12th century, one of the few remaining in Europe. A few more must-sees: the Church of Sant Vicenç, a fine example of Romanesque architecture, the Monastery of Sant Pere, built in the 12th century and considered one of the monasteries in Catalonia that you cannot miss, the facade of the old hospital church of Sant Julià, or the House of Cornellà, one of the best-preserved medieval houses in the town. As a curiosity: during the Middle Ages, Besalú was the capital of one of the most influential counties of Catalonia.
Montblanc (Conca de Barberà)
Second stop: Montblanc. One of the best-preserved medieval villages in Catalonia. Its impressive village walls, surrounding the old town, inevitably transport us to an era of knights and princesses. When you visit, you cannot miss the Church of Santa Maria la Major, a gem of Catalan Gothic, the remains of Montblanc castle, or the complex formed by the church and the old hospital of Santa Magdalena, from the 16th and 15th-16th centuries respectively. Montblanc is also a fantastic starting point to enjoy the Cistercian Route and discover the monasteries of Poblet, Santes Creus, and Vallbona de les Monges. The best time to go? During the Medieval Week, Montblanc is filled with theatrical performances, markets, and lots of activities that will take you back in time.
Rupit (Osona)
In the midst of a spectacular natural setting, we find the medieval village of Rupit, characterized especially by the symbiosis between the rock of the cliffs and the forests of Collsacabra. If you are a lover of towns like Carcassonne or Peratallada, prepare your camera or mobile phone because you will need it. What do we recommend? Stroll through its cobbled streets, like Fossar or Iglesia streets, admire the stone manors from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, discover the Main Square and the Cavallers' Square, or walk across the stone bridges that cross the village. You also can't miss the spectacular Salt de Sallent, an impressive waterfall surrounded by paths to enjoy nature.
Miravet (Ribera d'Ebre)
And from Osona we move to the Ribera d'Ebre, specifically to Miravet, one of the most fascinating medieval villages in Catalonia. Not only for its history but also for its spectacular location on the right bank of the Ebro River. The most prominent jewel is Miravet Castle, an impressive fortress of Templar origin that crowns the hill and combines Romanesque and Gothic elements, offering an impressive panorama of the river and the landscapes around it. A must-visit for history lovers. Apart from the castle, we recommend that you get lost in the old town, where cobbled streets intertwine in a labyrinth that seems to hang over the Ebro. The stone houses, with their traditional architecture, retain the charm of past centuries. The old church, in Renaissance style, is another point of interest worth discovering. Finally, we recommend crossing the Ebro with the traditional ferryboat, a motorless boat that uses the river's current force, offering a calm and charming journey.
Peratallada (Baix Empordà)
Peratallada is one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia and one of the best medieval villages in Girona and the Costa Brava. A medieval village full of walls, narrow and cobbled streets, arches, and balconies full of flowers that are always a hit on Instagram. Besides getting lost in its alleys, it's worth visiting the castle-palace of Peratallada, an impressive fortress from the 11th century, built around a spectacular moat carved into the rock. You cannot miss the wall, which surprises with its excellent state of conservation and transports you directly to the Middle Ages. Peratallada, you will see, is like an open-air museum.
Siurana (Priorat)
Siurana is one of the most spectacular medieval villages in Catalonia, both for its history and its privileged location. Situated atop a cliff in the Montsant mountains, it offers breathtaking views over the reservoirs, mountains, and limestone rock cliffs that surround it. It is, therefore, a magical village ideal for lovers of hiking and climbing. One of Siurana's highlights is its Arab past. It was the last Muslim stronghold in Catalonia, and the legend of the Moorish Queen, who threw herself into the void before being captured by the Christians, still echoes through its streets. Walking through Siurana and its cobbled streets, you can discover the remains of this era, such as the remains of the Arab castle, perched on the edge of the cliff. The views, you will see, are spectacular. It is one of the locations where you can enjoy one of the best sunsets in Catalonia.
If you like visiting medieval villages and enjoy historical recreations, you cannot miss our article where we talk about the best medieval markets in Girona and the Costa Brava.