On Easter Monday, the decorated Arbre del Maig is ceremonially raised—a specific reason to discover Cornellà del Terri during the Easter season. The year also brings the Fira de l’All, insights into chocolate making, a hiking route and numerous architectural details. When planning your trip, the main consideration is therefore which themes you would like to combine: festival traditions, regional cuisine, nature or architectural history.
Easter Traditions and the Fira de l’All
Cornellà del Terri’s main festival coincides with the Easter season and centres on raising the Arbre del Maig. Around midday on Easter Monday, residents ceremonially raise the decorated tree in the middle of the square. In 1999, the Generalitat de Catalunya recognised the tradition as a Festa Tradicional d’Interès Nacional.
The raising of the Arbre del Maig and the Ball del Cornut are considered particularly notable parts of the Festa Major. This dance is performed around the tree, with dancers moving through the town as they dance. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the dates for that year in advance.
Another seasonal event is the Fira de l’All, held on the first weekend in October. It showcases varieties of garlic produced in the comarca. Visitors can try Botifall, a sausage prepared with garlic, and learn to braid garlic in a workshop. As well as showcasing local produce, the fair offers a hands-on activity. Check the programme for that year before travelling if you would like to plan a tasting or workshop.
Chocolate and Seasonal Activities
A tour of the Xocolates-Torras factory offers insights into the company’s production processes. The visit includes an immersive 360-degree projection about the origins of cocoa, how chocolate is made and the hundred-year history of Chocolates Torras. Check the current booking conditions before your visit.
The Centre Cultural on Plaça del Maig offers activities for all age groups, as well as seasonal courses and workshops. Its seasonal programme is another reason to take the time of year into account when planning your trip.
Route 38, the River and Capella de Sant Antoni
The Terri flows through Cornellà del Terri. A description of Route 38 published in 2017 gives an approximate walking time of two hours without breaks; the route is intended for people accustomed to hiking. It passes Plaça de Maig and shortly afterwards reaches Capella de Sant Antoni. Check trail conditions and parking options before setting out.
Capella de Sant Antoni is in the town centre, about a 50-metre walk from the town square. It was part of the now-vanished Castle of Cornellà. This approximate distance provides a local point of reference; the hiking route and the short walk to the chapel are separate details to consider when planning.
Two historic crossings also relate to the Terri: the Pont medieval de Sant Andreu del Terri crosses the river on three round arches. The Pont medieval de Sords was the former crossing over the Terri used by the residents of Sords. The description of the first crossing highlights its design, while that of the second emphasises its former function.
Romanesque Churches and Distinctive Architectural Features
Església de Santa Eulàlia de Pujals dels Cavallers has Romanesque origins. Its features include a single-nave plan, a semicircular apse and a pointed barrel vault. The church also preserves a Gothic limestone baptismal font. Here, Romanesque architecture and a later Gothic object stand side by side.
Església de Sant Julià de Corts has a Romanesque portal made of travertine. Two stepped archivolts frame low-relief motifs depicting figures and plants. At Castell de Ravós del Terri, the focus is on the layout: it is trapezoidal, with a round tower at each corner.
Today’s Església de Sant Esteve de Sords is also Romanesque in origin. Its 12th-century Romanesque fabric includes the apse with a double-splayed window, the pointed barrel vault of the nave and the cornice. Romanesque wall paintings in the apse of Església de Sant Cugat de Ravós del Terri depict Christ in Majesty, the Tetramorph and two angels. The bell tower of Església de Sant Galderic de Santa Llogaia del Terri is said to have been built on the remains of an earlier fortified tower; this historical interpretation is presented as a possibility.
Discover more destinations: Les Llosses, Albanyà, Queralbs, Sant Martí Vell, Salitja, Guils De Cerdanya, El Port De La Selva, Argelaguer.
For the wider travel overview: Girona.
