Juià lies in the north of the Gavarres. Those choosing a destination with cultural history and outdoor activity in mind will find two specific highlights here: Castell de Juià, Sant Pere and Sant Joan de l’Erm on the one hand, and trails through the town centre and its surroundings on the other. The town’s history spans several centuries through its buildings and landmarks; the trails include both signposted options and a named circular route.

Landscape in the municipality

A wooded part of the municipality of Juià extends onto Muntanya de Àngels. The area near the Ter River is flat. The municipality thus features two distinct landscape characteristics: wooded areas on Muntanya de Àngels and a flat area near the Ter.

Castle, church and local history

Juià’s history is closely linked to Castell de Juià, which was called “Castrum Julianum.” Medieval documents mention the castle as early as the beginning of the 11th century, in the County of Girona. It belonged to a group of fortresses in the foothills of the Gavarres that were part of the Diocese of Girona. The defensive moat that once surrounded the castle remains around the ruins.

The parish church of Sant Pere adds a different period of construction to this focus: it is a Renaissance building dating from the 17th century; the original building may have been Gothic. The Renaissance building and possible Gothic origins therefore refer to different building phases.

The chapel of Sant Joan de l’Erm also represents a distinct period in the area’s history. A community of lay religious women lived there in 1276. After floods in 1327 affected their monastery, the community from Matella and Sant Joan de l’Erm eventually settled there. They may have been a single community of nuns from Santa Coloma de Matella. The plague of 1348 left only one surviving nun at Sant Joan de l’Erm.

Trails and hiking

The Itineraris Saludables in Juià run through both the town centre and its surroundings. They are permanently signposted and are intended to encourage moderate physical activity, especially walking. Route 147 Sant Martí Vell–Juià–Castell de Juià is described as an easy circular hiking route that passes through Juià. Route and duration details are approximate.

The trail types differ: the Itineraris Saludables pass through the town and its surroundings and encourage walking in particular; Route 147 is specifically identified as a circular hiking route. When choosing between these options, consider whether you are looking for a signposted network of trails or a specifically named circular tour.

A description of an excursion from 2023 mentions a metal walkway at the remains of Castell de Juià that leads to the upper section. If you plan to use this walkway, check the conditions on site before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Sant Hilari Sacalm, Esponellà, Guils De Cerdanya, Pujals dels Pagesos, Ger, Mieres, Santa Coloma De Farnés, Vilanova de la Muga

For the broader travel overview: Girona.