Navata is best explored through its architectural history: the small town centre comprises narrow lanes and remnants of an old fortification; churches and a castle tell stories of different centuries. A signposted route leads through medieval Navata, while BTT Route 10 offers views of the Empordà plain. Together, they provide two perspectives on the town: historic streets and buildings on the one hand, and the landscape on the other.
Lanes and Fortifications
Navata’s historic town centre is small and characterised by narrow lanes and remnants of an old fortification. The route through medieval Navata is signposted and documented; it allows visitors to explore the narrow lanes and discover the town’s history. Check local guidance for directions before your trip.
The façades on Carrer de la Muralla are built on the southern wall of the former fortified district, which dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. This links the named street architecturally to the former fortification and gives the town centre a specific architectural landmark from that period.
Sacred Buildings from Different Periods
The parish church of Sant Pere de Navata is a large sacred building from the 17th century. Construction began on 22 December 1638 and was completed in 1746. More than a hundred years lie between these dates. Inside, there are very well-preserved 18th-century wall paintings. The construction period and paintings thus mark different time periods within the same church building.
The parish church in Can Miró also offers an early historical reference point: it is dedicated to Saint Peter and was already in existence in 1019. In Canelles, south of Navata, the church of Sant Esteve dates from the Romanesque period of the 11th or 12th century and was extensively remodelled later. The histories of these church buildings therefore cannot be reduced to a single period: they span the church’s existence in Can Miró, the later changes in Canelles, and the long construction period of Sant Pere.
Castle Ruins and Their History
Navata Castle is documented from 1051. At that time, it was transferred to Count Bernat of Besalú, who established the Barony of Navata. The western wall section is best preserved among the ruins; it connects to a cylindrical tower at the southwest corner. The ruins are 2 km from the village, and access is difficult. When planning your visit, take both the distance and the challenging access into account.
Lanes or Views of the Landscape
BTT Route 10, “Masies del vent de Navata i Lladó,” runs along the northern slope of the municipality of Navata and offers magnificent views of the Empordà plain. Its focus therefore differs from that of the route through medieval Navata: the latter centres on narrow lanes and local history, while BTT 10 focuses on views of the landscape. When choosing between the two route themes, consider whether you are mainly looking for the historic layout of the town or views across the plain.
Discover more destinations: Sant Pere Pescador, Lladó, Mieres, Pau, L’escala, Can Jordi, Alp, Garrigoles
For the overview of the wider region: Girona.
