Besalú, Spain: The medieval jewel of Catalonia. Here are my 5 tips for interesting places

Besalú is one of the medieval jewels of the north Catalonia. The best way to get here is by car or bus. It is great to combine your visit with another nearby city – Girona (route map).

The old bridge in Besalú at the entrance to the city

But what is there to see and visit in Besalú?

My 5 tips: What to see in Besalú

1. Old Bridge (Pont Vell)
2. Jewish Quarter and Mikveh
3. Historic centre
4. Monastery of Sant Pere
5. Church of Sant Vicenç

A historic city like from a fairy tale

Besalú, a charming town with approximately 2500 inhabitants in the province of Girona, is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in Spain.

The dominant feature and symbol of the city is Pont Vell, an impressive 11-meter-long Romanesque bridge from the 105th century, which spans the Fluviá River. It contains 7 remarkable arches and its columns stand directly in the riverbed. Interestingly, during the Spanish Civil War, the bridge was blown up and subsequently rebuilt under the direction of architect Pons Sorolla.

The bridge is one of the most photogenic places of this historic city. If you want to take nice photos, come early in the morning or in the evening so you have the bridge all to yourself. 

Main sights, or what you must see in Besalú?

From the famous bridge, continue on to the center of Besalú. Here you can't miss the remains of the Jewish quarter with a unique mikveh (Jewish ritual bath) from the 12th century. It is one of the few places in Europe where you can find something similar. 

The historic center around Plaça de la Llibertat are lined with medieval buildings with arcades. Stroll through the narrow streets where you will find beautiful stone houses, small shops and restaurants with local cuisine. There is also Casa de la Vila (town hall) and maybe you'll be lucky and come across one of the markets or cultural events that often take place here. 

From the square you can continue to the former monastery of Sant Pere, the only surviving building from the former Benedictine monastery founded in the 10th century. Originally a small community of monks lived here, but the abbey had considerable political influence in the region. Inside the church you will find the tombs of important abbots and a common tomb of the monks. The facade is dominated by a remarkable Romanesque window decorated with reliefs of two lions - symbols of strength and protection from evil. This symbolism was very common in Romanesque art and was intended to demonstrate the triumph of Christianity over paganism.

The last stop, which is just a few minutes from the previous location, is Church of Sant VicençIt is originally a Romanesque building with Gothic elements. Inside we find the Gothic tomb of the Templar Pere de Rovira, who brought the relics of Saint Vincent to Besalú in 1413. 

Tourist map of Besalú

Map of the center of Besalú (click to enlarge): 1. Sant Julia Hospital, 2. Sant Pere Monastery, 3. Casa Cornellà, 4. Church of Sant Vicenç, 5. Mikveh, 6. Old Bridge, 7. Archaeological sites, 8. Chapel of Santa Maria, 9. Plaça de la Llibertat, 10. Church Sant Martí, 11. Synagogue, 12. Pere III Gate, 13. River Promenade, 14. Old Flour Mill, 15. Gothic Hall (Cúria Reial)

The main entrance to the city is visible on the right on the map, where you will find the beginning of the Pont Vell bridge and also free parking lots where you can safely park your car. Go into town on foot.

What restaurants and cafes in Besalú are worth trying?

Even though Besalú is a small town, you might get hungry while exploring it or just want something good. 

There aren't many quality restaurants and cafes here.Right in the center (or a short distance from it) I recommend trying, for example: 

Restaurant

• Can Cintet – a nice restaurant on the main square offering tapas and burgers, pretty good prices and a lunch menu
• Ca La Nidia – Mediterranean restaurant with home-style cuisine and a large outdoor terrace, great for families with children.
• Restaurant Pont Vell – this restaurant with a beautiful terrace is located right next to the bridge and offers a first-class view of it. The kitchen offers traditional Mediterranean and Catalan dishes made from quality ingredients. 

Cafes

• 10 del Pont – a small café in a great location next to the river, right by the bridge. It offers coffee, tea and pastries.
• MÜS Pastisseria – a pastry shop where you can have something sweet, coffee or maybe a local craft beer. 
• Forn Comtal – a factory for cookies and other sweets not far from the center, where you can buy some sweet souvenirs. Further from the center, but fewer tourists. 

In addition to food, try to taste the local specialty, ratafia herbal liqueur. 

Tips for visiting

• Besalú It is approximately an hour and a half drive from Barcelona. and is therefore ideal for a day trip, I recommend combining it with by visiting Girona or maybe Figueres, where you will find the Dali Museum.
• If you are driving, I recommend parking just before entering the city., where there are several free parking lots (map). Due to the narrow streets, it makes no sense to enter the city by car. 
• You can also get to Besalú by bus; there are regular buses on the Barcelona - Besalú or Girona - Besalú routes. Teisa buses.
• The city and its center are relatively small and compact and easy to walk.
• The best time to visit is spring or autumn.

More information about Besalu