The church, consecrated in 1050, is a grandiose basilica with 3 naves and 3 apses.
We haven't finished yet in our itinerary on the building, then pay attention of the following days !
Monday 25 May 2015
Day 582 - 18/05/2015 : St Pere de Casserres, the Church
The big stone based church of Casserres monastery is one of the most important Romanesque churches in Catalonia, for its size and above all for the unusual fact that it's wider than long, as a result of the confines of the space in which it was built.
The church, consecrated in 1050, is a grandiose basilica with 3 naves and 3 apses.
We haven't finished yet in our itinerary on the building, then pay attention of the following days !
The church, consecrated in 1050, is a grandiose basilica with 3 naves and 3 apses.
We haven't finished yet in our itinerary on the building, then pay attention of the following days !
Day 581 - 17/05/2015 : Ter river from St Pere de Casserres
The monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres was built at the furthest point of the crest of Casserres, which, due to its geographical layout, creates a peninsula surrounded by the most spectacular of the meanders made by Ter river on leaving Vic's plane to enter in Guilleries range.
The views from the river are really breathtaking and you may realize how important was the Monastery according this strategical location.
Amazing !
The views from the river are really breathtaking and you may realize how important was the Monastery according this strategical location.
Amazing !
Day 580 - 16/05/2015 : St Pere de Casserres's restoration
Restoration of the
monastery between 1994 and 1998 takes place under the auspices of the services of the
Department of Culture of the Generalitat and its architect Joan-Albert
Adell i Gisbert.
In July 10th of 1998, the newly restored monastery is inaugurated and opened to the public.
Restoration work is completed with the installation of furnishings (thanks to the patronage of the Caixa de Manlleu), designed to help visitors appreciate the function of each room.
Finally, the improvement and resurfacing of the access road is completed in 2002 and a new monastery guidebook is produced, available in four languages and published by Caixa de Manlleu.
The presbytery is repaired in readiness for the reconsecration of the monastery church on June 29th.
Fancy to visit it?
In July 10th of 1998, the newly restored monastery is inaugurated and opened to the public.
Restoration work is completed with the installation of furnishings (thanks to the patronage of the Caixa de Manlleu), designed to help visitors appreciate the function of each room.
Finally, the improvement and resurfacing of the access road is completed in 2002 and a new monastery guidebook is produced, available in four languages and published by Caixa de Manlleu.
The presbytery is repaired in readiness for the reconsecration of the monastery church on June 29th.
Fancy to visit it?
Day 579 - 15/05/2015 : St Pere de Casserres's entrance
Sant Pere de Casserres is one of the most important monuments of Catalan Romanesque Architecture, being the only monastery of the Benedictine order founded in the district of Osona.
The entrance doorway is located right at the opposite end, in the south-west corner. It is opened in a wall at right angles to the facade and has been rebuilt in modern times on abutments, making use of the old masonry.
It has a round arch and as next to it a kind of niche leading to the kitchen and below, which can still be seen the original outlet for water carried to the gully along a rough stone channel.
We will spend some days talking about this unique building, you can't get out !
The entrance doorway is located right at the opposite end, in the south-west corner. It is opened in a wall at right angles to the facade and has been rebuilt in modern times on abutments, making use of the old masonry.
It has a round arch and as next to it a kind of niche leading to the kitchen and below, which can still be seen the original outlet for water carried to the gully along a rough stone channel.
We will spend some days talking about this unique building, you can't get out !
Day 578 - 14/05/2015 : Vic's Hostel and surroundings
We were close to Caserres, we knew that because we were able to see Vic's Hostel from BV-5213 and even the West side of Sau reservoir.
We didn't realize what amazing place we were going to discover and we continued our quiet journey inside Guilleries range.
Let's continue driving, we are close to the end !
We didn't realize what amazing place we were going to discover and we continued our quiet journey inside Guilleries range.
Let's continue driving, we are close to the end !
Wednesday 20 May 2015
Day 577 - 13/05/2015 : Going to Vic's Hostel
In our way to Sant Pere de Casserres we took BV-5213 road towards Tavèrnoles and Vic-Sau Tourism Hostel.
This fantastic road gave us fantastic views from Guilleries range before where green color was remarkable even we were starting Winter. Having passed through Tavèrnoles, a group of bikers passed us at full speed, it isn't the way to enjoy nature.
Keep calm and continue in our way to Casserres !
This fantastic road gave us fantastic views from Guilleries range before where green color was remarkable even we were starting Winter. Having passed through Tavèrnoles, a group of bikers passed us at full speed, it isn't the way to enjoy nature.
Keep calm and continue in our way to Casserres !
Monday 18 May 2015
Day 576 - 12/05/2015 : Coll de Bracons in Winter
Coming back from Olot we decided to climb up Coll de Bracons using GI-5273 road instead of using the comfortable tunnel.
Indeed, the tunnel was a big progress for the shire's business but the old road keeps the beauty and scenic landscape whenever you take.
Winter in Coll de Bracons is cold and hard, we can't see almost anything at the top but lots of people were climbing the rocks to start the walk to Puigsacalm, one of the preferred peaks to journey excursions.
Not for one minute did we realize how we would see it in Autumn !!!
Indeed, the tunnel was a big progress for the shire's business but the old road keeps the beauty and scenic landscape whenever you take.
Winter in Coll de Bracons is cold and hard, we can't see almost anything at the top but lots of people were climbing the rocks to start the walk to Puigsacalm, one of the preferred peaks to journey excursions.
Not for one minute did we realize how we would see it in Autumn !!!
Saturday 16 May 2015
Day 575 - 11/05/2015 : Burru Català
The Catalan donkey (Catalan: Ase Català or Ruc Català) is a breed of large domestic donkey from Catalonia, in north-eastern of the country and south-western France. It is sometimes also called the Catalan ass. Approximately 80% of the population is in Catalonia, and approximately 20% is in the historic region of France of Roussillon.
We came across with today friends running wild during one of our journeys in Garrotxa, particularly just before starting to climb up Coll de Bracons on GIV-5273 road, obviously we stopped the car and take the picture ;-)
Don't you think that's lovely than the fucking 'Toro'?
We came across with today friends running wild during one of our journeys in Garrotxa, particularly just before starting to climb up Coll de Bracons on GIV-5273 road, obviously we stopped the car and take the picture ;-)
Don't you think that's lovely than the fucking 'Toro'?
Day 574 - 10/05/2015 : Olot, S.Esteve Church
This church is a sizeable construction,
dating from the eighteenth century. The church’s outline and bell tower
are iconic features of Olot. The current façade was added in 1800 and it
contains three empty niches, which used to hold stone images of St.
Stephen, St. Valentine and St. Sabina, destroyed in 1936. The church
steps, which lend the church a majestic air, were built in 1897.
Inside the church, notable features
include the quality Baroque altarpiece known as the ‘Roser’ in addition
to the sculpture of the main altar, by Josep Clara, a representation of
Christ by Ramon Amadeu and the hugely valuable work depicting Christ
embracing the Greco cross which is on exhibition in the Parish Museum
(visits must be arranged beforehand: (+34) 972 26 04 74).
Enjoy your visit !
Sunday 10 May 2015
Day 573 - 09/05/2015 : Olot main square, shopping in the hearth of the city
Shopping in Olot stimulates the senses. Products that can traditionally be purchased in Olot include Catalan cold meats, aniseed cakes, suet pastries, Ratafia fortified wine and nativity scene figures, known as Olot saints.
Trade in Olot comprises over 300 establishments, offering quality products and services in the heart of the city all around the Main Square; some shops have more than one hundred years of history. The commercial hub of the city has become a large outdoor shopping area, offering quality goods and a friendly atmosphere, without excluding more innovative businesses and shops.
Opposite Passeig Miguel Blay (also known as the Firal) is the Plaça Mercat and the Olot shopping mall, which contain a variety of shops that are characterised in particular by their emphasis on handcrafted delicatessen products, such as Catalan cold meats and bread baked in firewood ovens.
Let's go shopping !
Trade in Olot comprises over 300 establishments, offering quality products and services in the heart of the city all around the Main Square; some shops have more than one hundred years of history. The commercial hub of the city has become a large outdoor shopping area, offering quality goods and a friendly atmosphere, without excluding more innovative businesses and shops.
Opposite Passeig Miguel Blay (also known as the Firal) is the Plaça Mercat and the Olot shopping mall, which contain a variety of shops that are characterised in particular by their emphasis on handcrafted delicatessen products, such as Catalan cold meats and bread baked in firewood ovens.
Let's go shopping !
Day 572 - 08/05/2015 : Olot colorful house
Olot, Garrotxa shire's capital, received us with a colorful house which caused our admiration. Believe me, it's a city to discover and get lost, an unique and spectacular beautiful place, a city among volcanoes.
The city of Olot has an impacting and extensive cultural milieu. It is recommended that visitors to the region visit the Garrotxa Museum, the Saints Museum and Can Trincheria House Museum to view the different works of art on display.
Olot also has numerous art galleries, exhibition halls, street sculptures and visually striking modernist buildings, not forgetting the city’s magnificent historical buildings such as the 17th century Carme Cloisters and the 18th century Sant Esteve Church.
Enjoy your visit !
The city of Olot has an impacting and extensive cultural milieu. It is recommended that visitors to the region visit the Garrotxa Museum, the Saints Museum and Can Trincheria House Museum to view the different works of art on display.
Olot also has numerous art galleries, exhibition halls, street sculptures and visually striking modernist buildings, not forgetting the city’s magnificent historical buildings such as the 17th century Carme Cloisters and the 18th century Sant Esteve Church.
Enjoy your visit !
Day 571 - 07/05/2015 : Castellfollit from the top of the church
The church of Castellfollit was used as a place of worship until it was destroyed during
the Civil War. The poor state of the church after the end of the Civil
War led to the decision to construct a new church in the new area of the
town, and abandon the old building.
In the mid 80s, the old church was restored into a cultural site thanks to a neighborhood project. The restoration of the church has been remarkable as glass and iron have been used together with the original stone.From the top of the church the view of the town, the basaltic cliff and Fluvia river are breathtaking.
Please, notice on that !
In the mid 80s, the old church was restored into a cultural site thanks to a neighborhood project. The restoration of the church has been remarkable as glass and iron have been used together with the original stone.From the top of the church the view of the town, the basaltic cliff and Fluvia river are breathtaking.
Please, notice on that !
Day 570 - 06/05/2015 : Castellfollit Old Town
The old town of Castellfollit de la Roca has its origins in medieval
times, and is formed by squares and dark, narrow streets. The houses are
mostly made from volcanic rock.
At the end of the cliff, the site of the old cemetery until 1961, the year in which it was formally closed, and moved to its present day location, lies the Josep Pla viewpoint-square. This balcony offers a spectacular panorama, from which the town's strategic location, and its naturally advantageous position for defense can be fully appreciated.
On one side of the cliff stands the old church of Sant Salvador, which dates back to the 13th century. The present building, rebuilt on numerous occasions, is of a late Renaissance style, with a square clock tower, open on all four sides and crowned by a dome-like roof, adorned with small pilasters. The building has kept a late Romanesque window as well as numerous reused basalt freestones.
Do you need more information? Remain sit !
At the end of the cliff, the site of the old cemetery until 1961, the year in which it was formally closed, and moved to its present day location, lies the Josep Pla viewpoint-square. This balcony offers a spectacular panorama, from which the town's strategic location, and its naturally advantageous position for defense can be fully appreciated.
On one side of the cliff stands the old church of Sant Salvador, which dates back to the 13th century. The present building, rebuilt on numerous occasions, is of a late Renaissance style, with a square clock tower, open on all four sides and crowned by a dome-like roof, adorned with small pilasters. The building has kept a late Romanesque window as well as numerous reused basalt freestones.
Do you need more information? Remain sit !
Day 569 - 05/05/2015 : Castellfollit and Fluvià river
Castellfollut is bordered by the confluence of
the Fluvià and Toronell rivers, between which the town's spectacular
basalt cliff rises, but is Fluvià which take the star role.
The river and its valley can be admired from the East point of the village, just behind Sant Salvador church, where a viewpoint is located to be able catch the wonderful panorama.
Fluvià cross Castellfollit cliff from West to East creating riverside walks which the majority of visitors prefer to admire and photograph the specular cliff, above all from the wood bridge in the further East point.
Endless beauty is embracing us !
The river and its valley can be admired from the East point of the village, just behind Sant Salvador church, where a viewpoint is located to be able catch the wonderful panorama.
Fluvià cross Castellfollit cliff from West to East creating riverside walks which the majority of visitors prefer to admire and photograph the specular cliff, above all from the wood bridge in the further East point.
Endless beauty is embracing us !
Day 568 - 04/05/2015 : Wonderful nature
Lava flows create the basalt when become solid, a very strong rock which come in different shapes depend on the lava cooling process, shrinking and cracking.
Specifically, Castellfollit cliff was created as a superposition of two lava flows : the first one was originated 217000 years before, not for one minute did you realize this ! The second one, which is younger, came from Begudà volcanoes around 192000 years taking prismatic shapes.
Amazing !
Specifically, Castellfollit cliff was created as a superposition of two lava flows : the first one was originated 217000 years before, not for one minute did you realize this ! The second one, which is younger, came from Begudà volcanoes around 192000 years taking prismatic shapes.
Amazing !
Day 567 - 03/05/2015 : A unique landscape
Castellfollit is a town with almost 1000 inhabitants and less than 1 kilometer square of area which results of being one of the smallest villages in Catalonia.
What makes unique Castellfollit is the fact of being located above of a basaltic cliff, its houses and the church
seem floating in the air just in the edge of the cliff and not only is one of the most photographed landscapes in the country but also it's a fantastic natural viewpoint where you can see the valleys from Fluviíà and Toronell rivers.
The basaltic cliff where the town is settled has more than 50 meter height and almost 1 kilometer length, it was originated due to the action of Fluvià and Toronell rivers against the lava flows that came from volcanic eruptions occurred thousand of years ago.
Interesting !
What makes unique Castellfollit is the fact of being located above of a basaltic cliff, its houses and the church
seem floating in the air just in the edge of the cliff and not only is one of the most photographed landscapes in the country but also it's a fantastic natural viewpoint where you can see the valleys from Fluviíà and Toronell rivers.
The basaltic cliff where the town is settled has more than 50 meter height and almost 1 kilometer length, it was originated due to the action of Fluvià and Toronell rivers against the lava flows that came from volcanic eruptions occurred thousand of years ago.
Interesting !
Saturday 9 May 2015
Day 566 - 02/05/2015 : Castellfollit de la Roca
We are going to spend more than a week explaining and watching pictures from such a fantastic town as Castellfollit de la Roca is.
We think we are talking about an unique town, at least in Catalonia.The urban area is bordered by the confluence of the Fluvià and Toronell rivers, between which the town's basalt cliff rises.
The basalt crag where the town is situated is over 50 m high and almost a kilometer long. It was formed by the overlaying of two lava flows
Undoubtedly, a must !
We think we are talking about an unique town, at least in Catalonia.The urban area is bordered by the confluence of the Fluvià and Toronell rivers, between which the town's basalt cliff rises.
The basalt crag where the town is situated is over 50 m high and almost a kilometer long. It was formed by the overlaying of two lava flows
Undoubtedly, a must !
Day 565 - 01/05/2015 : Olot hobbies's house
Living in Garrotxa shire the owner of this posh house should have though that Croscat volcano is Mordor or something like that.
We came across with this curious house in our way coming to Olot by GI-524 just before entering Sant Cristofol de Les Fonts village, therefore if you find curiosity it isn't to far from wherever you stay, we are pretty sure it's already finished !
My precious !!!
We came across with this curious house in our way coming to Olot by GI-524 just before entering Sant Cristofol de Les Fonts village, therefore if you find curiosity it isn't to far from wherever you stay, we are pretty sure it's already finished !
My precious !!!
Sunday 3 May 2015
Day 564 - 30/04/2015 : Peus de Porc (Grilled Pig feet)
We hadn't published a gastronomic topic in a big while therefore today is the day : with all of you a delicious dish when 'Peus de Porc' is the invited star.
Pigs are very prominent in Catalan cuisine. Put simply, the pig here is used in it’s entirety and it’s a common sight on market stalls and even in supermarkets to see pigs’ ears and feet.
You may came across with Stuffed Pig ́s Feet with Wild Mushrooms (Peus de Porc Farcits amb Bolets) in quite a few restaurant. But I love grilled meat and specially I strongly recommend to taste grilled pigs fee, you won't be disappointed and in my opinion is the healthiest way.
Enjoy your meal !
Pigs are very prominent in Catalan cuisine. Put simply, the pig here is used in it’s entirety and it’s a common sight on market stalls and even in supermarkets to see pigs’ ears and feet.
You may came across with Stuffed Pig ́s Feet with Wild Mushrooms (Peus de Porc Farcits amb Bolets) in quite a few restaurant. But I love grilled meat and specially I strongly recommend to taste grilled pigs fee, you won't be disappointed and in my opinion is the healthiest way.
Enjoy your meal !
Day 563 - 29/04/2015 : Fageda, some autumn colors in winter time
Being in winter a beech forest is though to be naked, but Fageda preserves her identity around all year and in January some of the trees hadn't moved in their leafs to the ground allowing us some kind of mystic moment by seeing typical brown autumn colors merged with green one, it was really fantastic.
Fageda may apply for the best forest in Catalonia, undoubtedly, but let's wait for autumn pictures to take the final decision.
You can't get out !
Fageda may apply for the best forest in Catalonia, undoubtedly, but let's wait for autumn pictures to take the final decision.
You can't get out !
Day 562 - 28/04/2015 : Magnificent Fageda
Fageda grew in the middle of a volcanic area, this is an extraordinary phenomena. How can we explain it? It's said that the lava flow from Croscat volcano are suitable to nature growth and it is, the magnificent Fageda took advantage of the wet conditions.
When we saw Fageda in winter, not for one minute had we realized how would be few months later in autumn time, but winter time gave us a different view.
Even though the trees were almost naked we came across with a special and cool atmosphere with lots of beautiful pictures to take.
Are you looking forward to going?
When we saw Fageda in winter, not for one minute had we realized how would be few months later in autumn time, but winter time gave us a different view.
Even though the trees were almost naked we came across with a special and cool atmosphere with lots of beautiful pictures to take.
Are you looking forward to going?
Saturday 2 May 2015
Day 561 - 27/04/2015 : Fageda d'en Jordà in winter time
Have you hear about Fageda d'en Jordà? If the answer is NOT then take a sit and pay attention on the following days, we will give some information about one of the most mystic sites in Catalonia.
Fageda is a beech forest with 20m-tall trees, growing on lava flow from the Croscat volcano, in Garrotxa National Park.
It's said that the best season to admire this forest is in autumn but it's advisable to suggest visit it in any season to compare the different chromatic scenarios.
We looked around Fageda in winter as a first time and we weren't disappointed at all, it was an amazing afternoon !
Fageda is a beech forest with 20m-tall trees, growing on lava flow from the Croscat volcano, in Garrotxa National Park.
It's said that the best season to admire this forest is in autumn but it's advisable to suggest visit it in any season to compare the different chromatic scenarios.
We looked around Fageda in winter as a first time and we weren't disappointed at all, it was an amazing afternoon !
Day 560 - 26/04/2015 : Santa Pau 'Plaça Major' (main square)
Not only is Santa Pau an historical place, but it's also a stunning architectural spot wherever you walk inside its domains.
Plaça Major (main square) or 'Firal dels Bous' is Santa Pau's heart, you should reach it after looking around on the medieval town and crossing the 'Portal de la Vila Nova'. Surprisingly, this old square is very well preserved with its arcs presenting different styles which remind the old Gothic and Renaissance ages.
You may realize how useful are these arcs in summer, when the heat is pushing us.
What a pity we came across with lots of vehicles covering the stunning arcs, dam !!!!
Plaça Major (main square) or 'Firal dels Bous' is Santa Pau's heart, you should reach it after looking around on the medieval town and crossing the 'Portal de la Vila Nova'. Surprisingly, this old square is very well preserved with its arcs presenting different styles which remind the old Gothic and Renaissance ages.
You may realize how useful are these arcs in summer, when the heat is pushing us.
What a pity we came across with lots of vehicles covering the stunning arcs, dam !!!!
Friday 1 May 2015
Day 559 - 25/04/2015 : Santa Pau Church and Castle
Architectural beauty in Santa Pau can also be appreciated along the narrow streets in the shade of the castle and the Church of Santa Maria that lead you to the 'Portal del mar
(sea gate), from where you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape, with
views of the valley of Santa Pau.
Church's back is very well preserved and is governing the East side of the town, but you also may find out news sights.
It is also well worth continuing a little further afield and visiting the nearby valleys, in particular the area of the sanctuaries of Mare de Déu dels Arcs and Santa Margarida de la Cot, which offer wonderful sweeping views that take in some of area's volcanoes.
Enjoy !
Church's back is very well preserved and is governing the East side of the town, but you also may find out news sights.
It is also well worth continuing a little further afield and visiting the nearby valleys, in particular the area of the sanctuaries of Mare de Déu dels Arcs and Santa Margarida de la Cot, which offer wonderful sweeping views that take in some of area's volcanoes.
Enjoy !
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