In Sant Jordi Desvalls, a nearly intact medieval town center, churches from different centuries, and routes through the countryside tell different stories. If you want to combine culture and activity on your trip, you can focus on these themes: the surviving traces in the town, routes towards the Ter, and paths to the hills of Diana and Sant Mateu.
Medieval Traces and Churches
The historic center preserves a nearly intact medieval street layout. Small sections of a sloped wall remain from the oval ring of walls that once enclosed the settlement. The streets and remains of the wall thus convey two different aspects of the town’s former appearance: the inherited layout of the settlement and parts of its former boundary.
The area around SobrĂ nigues also offers a glimpse into history: remains of a paved road have been identified as a Roman road between EmpĂşries and Girona. The church in Sant Jordi is mentioned in a historical document from 1136. The date refers to its mention in this document, not to the date of construction.
Other churches differ in both their dates and architecture. Sant Feliu de Diana dates from the 11th century; its nave is not divided throughout, and its apse is not set apart. The chapel of Sant Mateu has been documented since the 14th century and appears to be of Romanesque origin. The chapel of Sant Pere, which can be visited on the route to SobrĂ nigues, dates from the 18th century. Together, these buildings are a reason to look beyond a single century when planning and consider several layers of history.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The routes from Sant Jordi are suitable for walking and cycling. They are mostly flat, well maintained, and have few significant climbs. However, the route each one takes is also important when choosing a tour: the route to Diana and Sant Mateu starts in front of the church of Sant Jordi and follows the canal back to the town center. As an alternative to the small road, a path through the forest leads to Sant Mateu.
The route to SobrĂ nigues takes you through a different landscape. It crosses agricultural and forest areas around Sant Jordi and then leads to the hamlet of SobrĂ nigues. Along the way, you can visit the chapel of Sant Pere; the route also leads to an iron bridge over the Ter, designed by the French office of Gustave Eiffel. This route therefore offers different historical points of interest from the path to Sant Mateu, without combining the two tours into a single route.
For a longer cycling loop, the El Ter MitjĂ mountain bike route is another option: it is 19.2 kilometers long, starts and ends in Sant Jordi Desvalls, and passes through the municipalities of Sant Jordi, Viladasens, and CerviĂ de Ter.
Along the Ter: Landscape and Waterworks
In the southern plain along the Ter, extensive stands of poplars and riverside trees along various waterways shape the landscape. The Resclosa de Sant Jordi is also part of this setting. The retaining wall is about 200 meters long and has a height difference of more than three meters. It was built to prevent the river from overflowing towards Sant Jordi Desvalls.
The route described to the Resclosa follows the left bank from the Sobrà nigues ford, crosses the de l’Illa ford, and then continues along the opposite bank. The sequence of banks and fords is useful if you are including this place in your plans. For a nature walk, the Fira d’Herbes de Marge in May also offers a specific point of reference: during the event, walks go from the banks of the Ter to the hills of Diana and Sant Mateu.
Planning Dates and Getting There
The 2025 edition of the Fira Pluja d’Art included musical performances, open-air shows, and workshops. These formats are a historical reference for the event, not necessarily an indication of the program for future editions. If you are including events in your travel plans, check the specific dates.
AMPSA operates a bus service on the Girona–Torroella de MontgrĂ–L’Estartit route, which serves Sant Jordi Desvalls. If you want to use this service, check the timetable before your trip. These interests can help guide your choice of hotel, without assuming a particular location or amenities.
Discover more destinations: Sant Feliu De Pallerols, Vilademuls, Avinyonet De Puigventós, Campelles, Esponellà , Calonge, Sant Miquel De Campmajor, Gombrèn.
Go to the main travel overview: Girona.
