Besalu

A stunning medieval village anchored by its iconic fortified stone bridge crossing the Fluvia River. Wandering its arcaded streets feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages.

Things to do

• Cross the Pont Fortificat — Walk the iconic fortified medieval bridge with its zigzag shape and central gate, the postcard image of Besalú spanning the Fluvià River.
• Explore the Jewish Quarter and Mikveh — Visit the remains of the 12th-century Call Jueu and descend into one of Europe's few surviving medieval Jewish ritual baths.
• Visit Monestir de Sant Pere — Step into this Romanesque Benedictine monastery church founded in 977, known for its carved capitals and apse.
• See Església de Sant Vicenç — Admire the Romanesque-Gothic parish church with its rose window and ties to local legend of Sant Vicenç.
• Wander Plaça Llibertat — Relax in the arcaded main square lined with stone porticoes, cafes, and old shopfronts at the heart of the old town.
• Admire Casa Cornellà — Look up at this well-preserved 12th-century Romanesque civil building, rare for its age and architectural detail.
• Get lost in the medieval streets — Stroll the narrow cobbled lanes and porticoed passageways that make the whole town feel frozen in the Middle Ages.
• Photograph the town from the riverbank — Walk along the Fluvià River banks below the bridge for classic reflection shots of the stone arches and old houses.

Food to try

• Mongetes de Santa Pau — Try the prized local white beans from the nearby volcanic Garrotxa region, often served with botifarra sausage.
• Botifarra amb mongetes — A classic Catalan sausage-and-beans dish found in traditional restaurants around the old town.
• Truita de riu — Sample river trout from the Fluvià, sometimes prepared simply grilled or pan-fried with local herbs.
• Formatge de Garrotxa — Taste the semi-cured goat cheese with its distinctive grey rind, produced in farms across the surrounding countryside.
• Crema catalana — Finish a meal with this classic caramelized custard dessert found on menus throughout the region.
• Pa amb tomàquet — Enjoy the simple Catalan staple of bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and salt, served with most meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit early morning or late afternoon — Besalú is popular with day-trippers and tour buses, so arriving before 10am or after 5pm means quieter streets.
• Wear sturdy shoes — The medieval streets and bridge are cobbled and uneven, so comfortable footwear is essential.
• Buy a combined ticket for monuments — The Mikveh, Sant Pere monastery, and other sites are often accessible via a single ticket from the tourist office near the bridge.
• Check for Tuesday market day — A small local market sometimes sets up in town, offering a glimpse of everyday rural Garrotxa life.