Ripoll is a small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountain range, one hundred kilometres from Barcelona. The town is best known for the monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll which was founded in the ninth century and is considered one of the most important Romanesque monuments in Spain. Ripoll also makes a good…
Tag: medieval
Terrassa: What to See and Do
Thirty kilometres inland from Barcelona, Terrassa’s attractive, pedestrianised city centre is an interesting and lesser-known day trip or weekend break. Sometimes referred to as the Catalan Manchester, Terrassa played a key role during the Industrial Revolution when it was an important city for textile manufacturing. In its heyday at the beginning of the twentieth century,…
Manresa’s Medieval Fair : La Fira de l’Aixada
Every year, at the end of February, Manresa celebrates La Fira de l’Aixada (festival of the mysterious light) which dates back to 1686 and sees the town step back in time to the 14th Century. In addition to the medieval market, there is a busy schedule of theatrical performances, processions, music and dance commemorating events…
Tarragona: What to See in the Ancient Roman City by the Sea
Located just 100km south of Barcelona on Spain’s Costa Daurada (golden coast) Tarragona is literally bursting with history. The Roman city of Tarraco was capital of Hispania Tarraconensis and was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. The most important historical sites are located in the city centre and Tarragona is one…
Cardona Castle and Salt Mountain Cultural Park
Perched on a hilltop 95km from Barcelona, Cardona Castle is a popular day-trip for local families who come to explore the medieval castle and visit the nearby salt mine. For thousands of years salt was one of the most valuable commodities and during the Middle Ages Cardona castle was home to one of the wealthiest…
Tossa de Mar – History, Sand and Sunshine on the Costa Brava
Situated on the southernmost part of the Costa Brava, the charming seaside resort of Tossa de Mar is a popular day trip from Barcelona. Tossa’s attractions include sandy beaches and a picturesque old town whose narrow streets are lined with restaurants and bars. Not to mention the impressive 12th century medieval castle or Vila Vella. Once…
Wilfred the Hairy: History and Legends
Tucked away beside the north entrance to Barcelona cathedral there is a small stone sculpture of an extremely hairy knight fighting what looks like a griffin. The knight is Wilfred the Hairy (Guifré el Pilòs) who was Count of Barcelona from 878 until his death in 897. Wilfred the Hairy was born in 840 in Prades…
Vic’s Annual Medieval Market
Every year, at the start of December, the town of Vic stages one of the largest and best known medieval markets in Spain. El Mercat Medieval de Vic lasts 4 days and for many Barcelona residents is an essential part of the run-up to Christmas. Located just 70km from Barcelona, Vic is a regional capital…
Montblanc and the Legend of Sant Jordi
Montblanc was founded in 1163 by Alfonso I of Barcelona to defend the road between Tarragona and Lleida. The town prospered and by the 13th Century was one of the most important towns in Catalonia. Today the medieval old town, complete with fortified stone walls is said to be among the best preserved in Spain. The…
Besalú – A Medieval Gem in the Heart of Catalonia
With a population of approximately 2400 people, Besalú makes an interesting and relaxing day trip from Barcelona. As you wander the the narrow streets, it’s hard to believe that during the Middle Ages this now tranquil small town was once an important local capital. What to See in Besalú Besalu’s star attraction is without doubt…