Els Hostalets D'en Bas can be understood through two widely separated periods in time: the settlement arose in the 18th century around an inn at the foot of the old royal road between Olot and Vic. By contrast, the Zona de l’Aubert/Hostalets archaeological site dates to the 6th and 7th centuries AD. For anyone wishing to combine cultural history and movement, this provides a clear starting point: the historic royal road, the houses on Carrer Teixeda, and several named paths to chapels and other destinations.

A village along Carrer Teixeda

Carrer Teixeda is lined with restored terraced houses, each with a threshing floor in front. This recurring pattern makes the street interesting as a cohesive townscape: each house has an adjoining open area, and together they shape the sequence along the street. Conjunt dels Hostalets d’en Bas is listed as a historic-artistic ensemble. The restored houses and threshing floors provide concrete points of reference for exploring the village’s architectural heritage.

The Camí Ral between Vic and Olot

The Camí Ral de Vic a Olot starts in the village. Its 44 kilometres connect Vic with Olot. An old paved surface remains, especially well preserved around Les Marrades. The signage also helps with navigation: the route is marked according to the Diputació de Barcelona’s signage model. As signage can change, check the route before setting out on a hike. When planning, consider the total distance and starting point separately: the 44 kilometres refer to the connection between the two cities, while the starting point is in the village.

Chapels and paths through the landscape

Very close to Els Hostalets, on a hill in an oak grove, stands the simple Romanesque Capella Sant Simplici o Ximplí. Meadows and oaks surround the chapel, from which there is a view of the Falgars cliffs. The cliffs are also a striking mountain feature visible beyond the village. This destination thus brings both the Romanesque chapel and its described landscape into focus.

Other paths lead to different destinations. A direct path from Els Hostalets leads to the chapel of Sant Miquel de Falgars. The “D’Hostalets a Sant Miquel de Castelló” hiking route leads from Hostalets to Sant Miquel de Castelló. The route from Els Hostalets to Sant Privat is not very strenuous on foot or by bicycle. Trail conditions can vary; check them before setting out. For navigation, it is worth paying close attention to the destination names: Sant Miquel de Falgars and Sant Miquel de Castelló are different destinations, while Sant Simplici o Ximplí is the nearby Romanesque chapel.

Archaeological traces and a later beginning for the village

The Zona de l’Aubert/Hostalets archaeological site dates to the 6th and 7th centuries AD. At l’Aubert, remains of several dwellings with different rooms and an oven were found, possibly along with remains of stables. The finds include pottery, bracelets, other jewellery, and agricultural tools. These discoveries offer a distinct way to explore the history of the place. They are clearly separate in time from the beginnings of Els Hostalets D'en Bas in the 18th century: the archaeological traces go back many centuries further.

Dia de la Dalla

The Dia de la Dalla takes place in Els Hostalets D'en Bas every year. It is held in late May or early June, and more than fifty scythe mowers gather for the competition, which also features a show. The date may vary from one edition to another, so it is advisable to check the dates of the current event before travelling. The Dia de la Dalla therefore offers a different kind of time reference from the houses, finds, and paths described as permanent features: anyone wishing to experience the competition should plan around the date of that year’s edition.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lloret De Mar, Sant Martí D'empúries, Sant Aniol De Finestres, Planoles, Sant Pau De Seguries, Setcases, Cadaqués, Campdorà

For the broader travel overview: Girona.