A medieval watchtower, a Romanesque church and views across practically the entire Vall de Ribes give Campelles several concrete points of interest for a trip. The town’s history is reflected in two buildings, while routes and mountain huts draw attention to the mountain landscape. There are also two festive occasions: the Festa Major at Pentecost and the Festa de Sant Martí. If you are considering Campelles as a destination, you can decide whether architectural history, views and trails, or a festival date should shape your stay.

Watchtower and Church History

The Torre de Campelles is a medieval fortified tower documented in written records since the 11th century. Archaeological investigations have identified construction and use phases dating from the 14th to the 19th century. The early written record and later phases provide different chronological reference points for the tower’s history. The Torre has been restored and can be climbed via a ramp; check the conditions on site before planning your visit.

The Església de Sant Martí de Campelles was founded about 1,000 years ago and was fortified from the 13th century onwards. Around the year 1000, it was a Romanesque building with a single altar, a tower and a bell tower. After a fire caused by French troops during the Guerra Gran (1793–1795), the church was rebuilt and reconsecrated in 1799.

Mountain Landscape and Routes

Campelles offers views across practically the entire Vall de Ribes. Les Coves de Ribes also contribute to the character of the landscape: they are deep natural cavities in a narrow gorge that opens onto the Vall de Ribes. The routes differ in destination and landscape. De Campelles a Sant Antoni i els miradors de Ribes leads to the Ermita de Sant Antoni and two viewpoints overlooking the Vall de Ribes. The Campelles-la Covil-Campelles route passes through the shady section of the Montgrony mountain range. The hut in the meadow at Pla de Prats also has a recreational area along the route where you can rest.

Mountain Huts Compared by Elevation

The two mountain huts also differ in elevation. Refugi de Pla de Prats is an unstaffed mountain hut in the forest of Campelles at 1,559 metres; Refugi de la Covil is also unstaffed and lies at the foot of Mount Covil at 1,770 metres. The Covil hut is therefore 211 metres higher than the hut in the forest.

Festivals in Campelles

The Festa Major de Campelles takes place at Pentecost. The Festa de Sant Martí is the smaller local festival. It features a festival address, the ringing of bells, a botifarra competition, activities for children and other leisure activities, a communal dinner, dancing and a solemn Mass. The festival brings together religious, social and recreational elements. If you would like to plan a trip around an event, check the current dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: La Bisbal D'empordà, Sant Julià De Ramis, Fontcoberta, Sant Pere Pescador, Sant Hilari Sacalm, Vilopriu, Sant Climent Sescebes, Flaçà.

For the overview of the wider region: Girona.