The town of Pals, located in the region of Baix Empordà, is one of the most beautiful in the Costa Brava (Girona, Catalonia). With a population of about 2500, this small medieval village usually receives a large number of tourists every weekend. Although it has no great monuments or museums, its precious paved streets, walls and Gothic buildings are more than enough to warrant a visit. In this post we talk about the main places to see in Pals and other practical issues.
Brief history of Pals
The place name of Pals has its origin in the Latin name Palus (swamp site). The village, next to its castle of Montaspre (Montis aspero), is first mentioned in 889 in a precept of King Odon of France. For centuries, different kings ceded the castle and the villa to the bishops of Girona, various noble families, the counts of Barcelona, the barons of Cruïlles, etc. During the Catalan Civil War the castle was destroyed and today only the Tower of the Hours, the walls and some structural element are preserved.
What to see and what to do in Pals?
Medieval village
Much of the charm of Pals is concentrated in its medieval village, dominated by the presence of Gothic buildings. The itinerary proposed by the tourism office (this should be your first stop) is not lost and is perfectly signalled. In fact, the 10 most interesting tourist sites have an information sign with short texts in four languages, illustrations and map. In total, it is recommended to reserve 1 hour and 15 minutes to visit Pals.
The first stop of the journey is Ca la Pruna, a fortified house of the 15th century converted today to a house of culture. Inside you can see different types of exhibitions (painting, field tools, pharmacy utensils, etc.). Following the Carrer de la Creu, you will reach the Plaça Major, where the Tourism Office and the Town Hall are located. One of the most prominent elements is the Gothic arch giving access to the Carrer Major, where you can contemplate medieval burials (s. VII-VIII) excavated in the stone.
From the Carrer Major one must deviate to the right to see the Tower of the Hores, a Romanesque tower (s. XI-XII) 15 m high. The oldest vestige of the defunct Castillo de Pals owes its name to having been used as a clock for centuries. Surrounding the church on its right one arrives at the Castle sign. As we said, only a few traces of its existence remain, such as the courtyard of arms where the entrance to the house of the Pi and Figueras family is located.
One of the jewels of Pals is his Church of St. Peter, documented in the 11th century. Reconstructed in 1478 with remains of the castle, this church with a mixture of architectural styles stands out for its head and nave (s. XV), western portal (s. XVII) and bell tower. Very close to the main gate you will find the ruins of the Tower of En Ramonet, 8 m. From here you must follow the walls to reach the Pedró, or gaze of Josep Pla, from where you will get a good view of the environment.
The last point of interest on this route is the old Hospital de Pals, which is reached by performing a nice walk through the Archaeological Dr. Pi and Figueras. The route we have described in this post covers almost every street in the old neighborhood of Pals, of small dimensions, but we suggest you take a walk around those that have stayed out of the circuit and get your attention, because every corner of this town is a delight.
Pals Beach
Although the town of Pals is quite small, the extent of the municipality is surprisingly large. In fact, its territory extends as far as the sea (around 6 km from the center), where the extensive Platja de Pals (divided into Platja Gran, to the south; and Platja del Grau, to the north). There are restaurants and a good offer of recreational activities in the area. In the southern part, in addition, you can visit the Mora Tower, construction of the 15th in the environment of which enabled a picnic and children's games area.
