In Celrà, medieval traces, evidence of industrialisation and natural areas along the Ter meet. Castell de Celrà offers a clear view of the town centre as it is today. Other highlights include the historic parish church of Sant Feliu, the former factory and various paths through landscapes and to historic structures. Which of these aspects you focus on may shape your choice of when to travel and what to do.
Historic traces in Celrà
The parish church of Sant Feliu de Celrà is documented from 1024 and had a Romanesque form in the early 11th century. The Sagrera of Celrà dates from the same early period. Its boundaries can be traced along the streets Ronda de Baix, baixada de la Doma and Maria Cristina. These dates provide two specific historical reference points: the documentary mention of the church and the period when the Sagrera was established.
The mines of Celrà are also part of the town’s history: they form part of the Les Gavarres ethnological interest area, which is listed in the Register of Cultural Assets of National Interest (BCIN). The view from the Castell over the town centre as it is today adds another perspective. In Celrà, historical context and views of the present-day town therefore sit side by side, without requiring a single specific walking route.
Industrial heritage and routes
The La Fàbrica walk passes through various parts of the former Celrà factory, which is now used for cultural purposes. Only areas open to the public can be visited. This limitation is important for planning: the route does not take visitors through every room of the former factory.
Other routes lead to structures from different periods and with different uses. These include medieval castles and towers, as well as lime kilns, brickworks and iron ore mines from the industrialisation period. The Forns de calç i la Rajoleria de Celrà circular route leads to the lime kilns at Mas Garriga and Can Taverner, as well as the brickworks at Mas Garriga. Visitors particularly interested in traces of industrial work will find specific sites to explore; the wider network of routes also includes medieval structures and natural areas along the Ter and in the Serra de les Gavarres.
By the Ter: riverside woodland, water and landscape
A broad strip of riverside woodland grows along the banks of the Illa dels Salzes. It is especially prominent around the first viewpoint and on the island that gives the area its name. The Illa dels Salzes i Camp d’Aviació excursion combines exploring the natural landscape along the Ter with preserved structures from a former airfield used during the Spanish Civil War. Nature and history are distinct elements of the same excursion.
The Ruta del Ter invites you to experience the river with all five senses while discovering its historical and cultural heritage, fauna, flora and landscapes. The circular route along the Séquia Vinyals has a different focus: its water infrastructure dates from the 18th century. The path crosses the fertile agricultural landscape of the small plain along the Ter and offers views of the canal’s calm waters. The routes described therefore differ in their focus: the Ruta del Ter centres on the river and nature, while the Séquia Vinyals brings together historic water engineering and agricultural landscapes.
Getting there and Festa Major
Celrà is served by regional trains on the Barcelona–Figueres–Portbou line. Sarfa buses connect the town with Girona, Baix Empordà and the Costa Brava. Check current train and bus timetables before travelling to make sure your journey fits the available connections.
Celrà’s Festa Major is one possible occasion to consider when planning your visit. It takes place every year on the weekend after 1 May, in honour of the patron saints Sant Sixt and Sant Hou. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year. This lets you choose between visiting for the festival or planning a trip focused on historic sites, routes or natural areas along the Ter.
Discover more destinations: Sant Jordi Desvalls, Vilajuiga, Sils, Madremanya, Isòvol, Navata, Guils De Cerdanya, Ultramort.
For the wider travel overview: Girona.
