This magnificently preserved medieval town proves that good things really do come in small packages.
(This is the second installment in a new series, “The ABCs of Future Travel”, designed to inspire you to start planning your next trip.)
A visit to the town of Besalú is like a magical journey into the past. Located in the Northeast of Spain in the Catalonian province of Girona, Besalú is an absolute must-see when visiting the Costa Brava. A mixture of Roman, Jewish, and Christian structures, plus medieval churches, an imposing bridge, and a long-hidden Jewish ritual bath are only a few of the marvels waiting to be explored in Besalú.
The Medieval Church of Sant Pere (©simon@myeclecticimages.com)
Designated a site of historical and artistic importance in 1966, Besalú can easily be explored in a few hours on a day trip from Girona 35 miles away. You can also take in the Dalí Museum in Figueres, 25 minutes from Besalú on the same day. And you would be 35 minutes from the coast, should you want a break from delving into medieval history.
The Bridge
Your introduction to the treasures of Besalú will most likely be the arresting view of its remarkably preserved medieval bridge. Allow yourself time to take in the unique aspects as you cross the River Fluvia into the narrow cobbled streets of Besalú’s old town.
The Medieval Bridge Crossing the River Fluvia (©simon@myeclecticimages.com)
An Alternative View of the Medieval Bridge Crossing the River Fluvia in Besalu (©simon@myeclecticimages.com)
The bridge, constructed in the Romanesque style, dates back to the 12th century. This medieval marvel is endowed with seven arches, two towers, and a quirky bend. in the center, giving it somewhat of an “L” shape as opposed to a straight span. Photographers will have a field day capturing views from the bridge itself, the riverbank, and the town.
The Monastery of Sant Pere
Interior of the Church of Sant Pere Dating Back Over 1000 Years (©simon@myeclecticimages.com)
The Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere was founded in 977. Most of the original structure was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, but the church belonging to the monastery was spared.
The massive basilica-style church contains three naves and a spacious central apse. This arrangement enabled pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago on their way to Santiago de Campostella to pass through the church without disturbing the monks.
We visited the church on a hot day in June, and its coolness was a relief from the summer heat. More important though, was our guide’s narration of its history and the overwhelming sense of tranquility that came over me from the moment we entered.
Admission to the church is free. You will find it in a square. There you will also find shops and cafes for lunch or a brief respite before moving on.
The Mikvah
A 1964 discovery of a 13th-century mikvah (Jewish ritual bath) near the archeological site of what once had been Besalú’s synagog, soon became one of the town’s most popular draws. The town’s Jewish heritage is believed to date as far back as the 9th century, and the Mikvah was an important part of the cultural and religious practices of the population.
The Besalú mikvah is one of only three such historic ritual baths to be found in Europe. According to tradition, this is where Jewish women – and sometimes men – cleanse their bodies in natural pools as part of specific rituals, such as a required function before marriage or marking the end of a married woman’s monthly menstrual cycle.
The Mikvah in Besalu (©simon@myeclecticimages.com)
Our visit to the mikvah turned out to be the highlight for me. Entering through a well-hidden door, we descended stone steps into the coolness of the mikvah’s interior.
Dim light from two windows created a somber atmosphere as our guide explained the significance of this particular mikvah. It had been a place of orthodox tradition that had been abandoned as a result of religious persecution. Had it not been so well hidden for so many centuries, this treasure surely would have been destroyed.
You can see the mikvah for yourself – and I highly recommend you do – but you will have to request the key from the tourism office to gain entrance.
Final Thoughts
There is much more to see and do in Besalú.
- The Romanesque style Church of Sant Vicente de Besalú is the town’s parish church, which dates back to the late 900s. If weather and timing cooperate, you can gape at streaming daylight glorifying the spectacular rose window.
- the Hospital of Sant Julià is what passed for a hospital in the 12th century. Pilgrims were believed to have used the building as a hostel or resting place. Although the structure is not original, the attractive façade is.
- the Besalu Miniature Museum is a delightful family-friendly surprise. There you will encounter an eclectic collection of tiny displays, most of which you will need to explore using magnifying glasses in order to appreciate the fine details and outstanding workmanship that have gone into the exhibits.
- Shopping in Besalú is a joy with stores selling local crafts. For example, music boxes and mechanisms, and the pottery typical of the area
Selection of Music Box Mechanical Movements (©simon@myeclecticimages.com)
When you visit Besalú, be sure to take the time to chat with the fine people at the tourism office when you’re requesting the mikvah key.
When we were in Besalú, we were given a new device designed to include audio in a self-guided tour the office was developing. We gave it a test run, and although there were a few bugs, the genuine desire for input and determination to get it right impressed me no end. One of my goals is to return to Besalú to revisit what we saw on our first trip, see what we missed, and see how they adapted the tour.
Besalú Tourist Information Office
C. Pont, 1
17850 Besalú (La Garrotxa)
(+34) 972 591 240
EMail: turisme@besalu.cat
