Biure combines historic buildings with walking and mountain biking (BTT) routes. The Ricardell features both in the bridge’s location and in the descriptions of some trails. The bridge, church and Castell each offer a distinct historical perspective; the routes are distinguished by their specific paths and directions. This can help you decide whether cultural history, a walk or mountain biking routes should shape your stay.

Bridge over the Ricardell

The medieval bridge of Biure is in the town centre, on the eastern side of the municipality, over the Ricardell River. It has a single shallow-arch span and is included in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia. It combines a precisely described structural feature with a specific cultural heritage designation. Its location in the town centre places the bridge within Biure, while the Ricardell is also a reference point for the walking trail and BTT Route 18.

Church and Castell

Sant Esteve de Biure is protected as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest and is first mentioned in a document from 1107. This date marks its first mention, not necessarily when it was built. The church has a single nave, side chapels and a polygonal apse. The term “single nave” describes the central space of the church; the chapels are at the sides, while the polygonal apse closes the building. This makes it possible to distinguish the main architectural elements.

The Castell de Biure is designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Two sections of wall survive, arranged at right angles to each other. The bridge, church and Castell therefore have different cultural heritage designations: inclusion in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia, protection as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest, and designation as a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Their described structural features also differ: a shallow-arch bridge span, a church with side chapels and an apse, and two sections of wall.

Agricultural history and remembrance

Can Sans is a former farmhouse and former olive oil mill in Biure. It adds the history of local agriculture and the former everyday practice of olive processing to the buildings and their different cultural heritage designations.

The Pierre Bayle monument stands at a site associated, according to documents and local memory, with General Dugommier’s command post and the mortal wounding of drummer Pierre Bayle. The focus here is on the site’s recorded historical connections: both its military association with Dugommier and the remembrance of Pierre Bayle.

Walking trail and BTT routes

The Camí de la Font d’en Buixó is an approximately two-kilometre walking trail along the Ricardell. It runs from the town centre of Biure to the spring. Its approximate length, starting point and destination are all specified—useful details when planning a walk. La Fonteta is a natural spring that flows into the Ricardell.

The BTT routes differ in that one is a signposted network, while another is a specifically named there-and-back route. The G-05 Salines-Bassegoda BTT routes pass through Biure and other nearby towns and are well signposted. BTT Route 17 connects Pont de Molins with the Ermita del Roure in Biure, then returns to Pont de Molins. Route 17 therefore specifies a particular destination and a return to the starting point, whereas G-05 highlights a network running through several towns.

BTT Route 18 follows the Ricardell through a riverside forest that is lush for most of the year thanks to the spring rains. The 2012 fire affected the route. Until the route is restored, it is recommended that you do not ride it without GPS. Check the route conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Guils De Cerdanya, Sarriá De Ter, Sant Feliu De Guixols, Sant Jaume De Llierca, Vall-Llobrega, Santa Cristina De Aro, Espolla, Riumors.

For the overview of the wider area: Girona.