Since it was revived in 1949, the Sardana de l’Alcalde has been danced every year without interruption on 16 August. This fixed date on the calendar provides a specific cultural reference point for planning a trip. Amer combines this lively tradition with Romanesque heritage, local history and opportunities for walks along the Brugent River—interests that offer different ways to shape a stay.

Monastic history and the townscape

In 2012, Amer’s old town was designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN) in the historic ensemble category. The Santa Maria d’Amer complex is an important part of its religious heritage. The Benedictine monastery was consecrated in 949 by Bishop Gotmar. The complex includes a Romanesque church with four apses; typical Lombard bands articulate its exterior. The four apses are a distinctive feature of the church’s architecture, while the bands draw attention to the design of the exterior walls.

The Museu Etnològic d’Amer, housed in the Can Terme building, offers another way to explore local history. It has the permanent Lluís Sidera collection and spaces for temporary exhibitions. Plaça de la Vila adds to the picture of the historic town centre: arcades line the square, originating from market stalls and shops. In this way, sacred architectural history, an ethnological collection and a square with commercial roots highlight different aspects of local heritage.

Amer railway station is also part of Catalonia’s unique railway architectural heritage. This connection reflects the station’s former importance on the Girona–Olot Carrilet line. Railway history adds another facet to Amer without requiring visitors to follow a particular route.

Walks, views and archaeological traces

Along the Brugent River, the well-preserved riverside woodland makes for a shady walk. Font Picant d’Amer is also by the Brugent, in a peaceful, shaded setting suited to a stroll. While the riverside woodland shapes the landscape along the river, Font Picant is a specific destination in this tranquil setting.

Puig d’Alia brings together views and archaeological traces in one place. From here, there are panoramic views of the Guilleries, Garrotxa, Selva and Gironès. Remains of an Iberian settlement have also been preserved on the hill, including several structures and graves. Visitors interested in the landscape and traces of earlier settlement will find two distinct aspects of the same place: sweeping views across several areas and visible remains of habitation.

Marked routes and hermitages

Several marked routes start in Amer’s town centre. The Ruta de les Ermites leads to the hermitages of Santa Brígida, Sant Marçal, Sant Genís and Pietat, as well as the church of Sant Climent in the Amer area. The route focuses on a series of religious buildings; it offers a different way to discover the area’s cultural heritage from visiting the church of Santa Maria d’Amer or the museum. Route details may change, so it is advisable to check the current route before setting out.

A walking route to the Ermita de Santa Brígida is also described, starting from the C-63 via Carrer Santa Brígida and then continuing along a path beyond the paved road. Check local conditions before setting out. The chapel was built in the 11th century as a dependency of Amer Monastery. It stands on a rocky outcrop and offers views over the valley. The approach and historical context give this destination a different focus from walks along the Brugent: here, a specific walking route, monastic history and views into the valley come together.

When choosing accommodation, Amer can therefore be viewed primarily in terms of the discoveries you are looking for: monastic and local history, walks by the water, or routes to hermitages and viewpoints. These destinations offer different starting points for planning a trip without prescribing a particular length of stay or a fixed daily itinerary.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: El Far d'Empordà, Bolvir, Avinyonet De Puigventós, Cruïlles, Monells i Sant Sadurní de l'Heura, Vilafant, La Bisbal D'empordà, Figueres, Portbou.

For the main travel overview: Girona.