Cabanes brings together a wide plain and traces of history spanning several centuries. The present-day parish church, medieval church ruins and remains from the 20th century tell different chapters of the town’s history. The Muga and Llobregat rivers irrigate the landscape. When planning a visit, you can focus separately on church and building history, the historic use of water, or a route to the former airfield.
Churches and architectural remains
Construction of the present-day parish church of Sant Vicenç began in 1803; it was blessed on 22 January 1820. Inside is a stone baptismal font decorated with geometric and plant motifs, dated 1604. The dates refer to two distinct points in time: the baptismal font is dated to 1604, while 1803 marks the beginning of construction of the present-day church.
The Torre de Cabanes is the only surviving part of the castle. The cylindrical tower is about 16 metres high. The cemetery in Cabanes also contains remains of the medieval church of Sant Maurici: a surviving 20-metre-long nave wall and part of a semicircular apse. The tower and church remains show different forms of preservation—a single surviving structure on the one hand, and parts of an earlier church building on the other.
The chapel of Sant Sebastià also has its own historical significance. Until the beginning of the 18th century, the Viscounts of Rocabertí used it for ceremonies in which they took possession of their rights over Cabanes. Only the medieval church of the monastery of Sant Feliu de Cadins survives; the other monastery buildings have been lost.
Plain, rivers and mills
Cabanes lies in the wide plain of Alt Empordà, irrigated by the Muga and Llobregat rivers. The Muga is also part of the area’s history of water use: since the 12th century, its water has been used in Cabanes to operate mills. These were probably used to grind grain. The river is therefore both part of the landscape and the basis of a traditional use.
Airfield history and Route 312
The former Republican airfield Aeròdrom 312 (SAF-26) was in operation from the summer of 1937 until 5 February 1939. Fortifications are another chapter in the town’s history: six are known in Cabanes. Remains are still visible of one bunker on the Llobregat, one on the GIV-6024 and two on the Muga.
Two route descriptions are useful for Route 312. A shorter option starts and ends in Cabanes, leads to the former aircraft hangars and is 5.3 kilometres long. The approximate duration is 65 minutes, plus time spent at the site. A 10-kilometre circular route starts and ends at the La Fruitareda car park. You can therefore choose between a shorter option with a specific destination and a longer loop with a named starting and ending point.
When planning your trip, allow extra time for your visit on the shorter option. Check the current route conditions and parking situation before setting off.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Albons, Celrà, Santa Llogaia D'àlguema, Santa Pau, Torrent, Sant Miquel De Fluvià, Olot, Romanyà d'Empordà
For the wider travel overview: Girona.
