Cruïlles can be explored in two different ways: through its striking examples of architectural and artistic history, and along a circular route into the foothills of the Gavarres. The former castle tower stands alone in the centre of the village square that shares its name, while the Ruta pels antics veïnats de Rabioses i Pastells follows the Pastells stream. If you are looking for a holiday rental for your stay, you can first consider whether you would prefer to focus on historic buildings and art, or include a walk through the landscape as well.
Tower, Fortifications and Views of the Monastery
The Torre de l’Homenatge of the former castle has a circular floor plan and is 26 metres high. Its isolated position in the centre of the village square makes it easy to take in as a standalone structure. From the Torre de l’Homenatge, there is an exceptional view of the monastery of Sant Miquel de Cruïlles, set against the Gavarres.
Many sections of the route of Cruïlles’ former fortifications remain almost intact. The tower and fortifications offer two different perspectives: on the one hand, a single structure rising above its surroundings; on the other, sections of a surviving wall line.
Romanesque Art and Works from Several Centuries
The Benedictine monastery of Sant Miquel de Cruïlles is an example of Catalan Romanesque architecture. The church preserves Romanesque wall paintings, discovered in 1930 and still in situ today. The church also preserves a Romanesque stone baptismal font bearing the inscription “1232 FONS”. The wall paintings and font offer tangible insights into the Romanesque furnishings.
Another object from the monastery is the Biga de Cruïlles, a polychrome beam with human figures dating from the 12th or 13th century. It is one of the few examples of its kind in Europe. The beam is thought to have been the main piece of a canopy above the main altar of the Romanesque basilica. This possible function adds an art-historical interpretation to the consideration of its design.
A precisely dated art commission is the main altarpiece of Cruïlles: it was commissioned on 12 November 1416 by Lluís Borrassà and Sanxa, the widow of Jaspert de Campllong. The present-day church of Santa Eulàlia dates from the 17th and 18th centuries. Together, these works span from Romanesque art and a commission from the early 15th century to a later church building.
A Circular Route along the Pastells Stream
The Ruta pels antics veïnats de Rabioses i Pastells is a circular route. It follows the shaded valley floor of the Pastells stream through lush holm oak and alder forests and leads into the foothills of the Gavarres. The route therefore has a different focus from the art history: the stream, valley floor and woodland shape its description. Vegetation and trail conditions vary seasonally; check current conditions before setting out.
Two Ways to Shape Your Stay
The historic features centre on individual buildings and works of art, while the circular route focuses on the stream and woodland. If you would like to experience both sides of Cruïlles, you can allocate your time according to your interests rather than focusing your stay on just one.
Access to the interior of the monastery is managed by the culture department of the Consell Comarcal del Baix Empordà. Check current visiting arrangements before making plans. This will help you plan visits to the architectural and artistic sites, as well as the walk through the foothills of the Gavarres, to suit your interests.
Discover more destinations: Jafre, Breda, Sant Feliu de Buixalleu, Santa Coloma De Farnés, Caldes De Malavella, Cabanelles, Llívia, Foixà.
See the overview of the wider region: Girona.
