Serra de Daró can be explored through two main themes: historic churches, castle remains and farmhouses on the one hand, and the wetland and the history of water management along the Ter on the other.
Churches, Castle Remains and Architectural History
The Església de Santa Maria is a large church with a basilica-style layout and Neoclassical decorative elements. The current building dates from the second half of the 19th century and was rebuilt around 1881. Bishop Tomàs Sivilla consecrated the church on 1 June 1884. The older bell tower dates from the 17th or 18th century. Santa Maria thus brings together different building phases that can be distinguished chronologically.
The Església de Sant Iscle i Santa Julita has a different design: this 12th-century Romanesque church has a single-nave layout and a semicircular apse with an arcaded frieze. Its earlier function is also connected with Sant Iscle Castle; the church later formed part of its fortifications. The remains of Castell de Sant Iscle include a cylindrical tower. Those interested in medieval architectural history will therefore find both a church and remnants of fortifications within the municipality.
Other architectural landmarks offer different points of interest. Mas Sunyer has a Renaissance window with a keel arch decorated in relief. Mas Cebrià is a large 17th- and 18th-century farmhouse with a small adjoining chapel. The chapel is not used for religious services and is probably no older than the farmhouse. Near Camí d’Empúries, at Puig de Serra, also known as La Roqueta, there are stone burial sites. The remains may not be visible in the landscape.
Historic Routes and Bridges
Pont de la Roqueta is associated with the historic Camí d’Empúries. This route ran from Empúries to Girona, where it connected with the Via Augusta. To reach it, take the paved road from Serra de Daró to Llabià; after about 700 metres, turn right onto a track. The bridge is a short walk from the turnoff, near Font de la Roqueta. Check local conditions on the track before setting out.
The history of water management also extends beyond the municipality. Created in the Middle Ages, the Rec del Molí irrigated land in Serra de Daró, as well as in Gualta, Pals and parts of Torroella. The cycling route “El Ter: caminos de agua” passes through Serra de Daró and Sant Iscle, follows the course of the River Ter and brings visitors closer to elements of the region’s hydraulic heritage, including irrigation channels, weirs and mills. The historic irrigation channel and the cycling route offer different ways to explore the theme of water: one through its former use, the other along a route beside the river.
Wetland and Landscape Along the Ter
Illa i resclosa de Canet, on the River Ter, forms a wetland of about 15 hectares spanning Serra de Daró and La Tallada d’Empordà. The entire wetland belongs to the Natura 2000 site ES5120011 “Riberes del Baix Ter.” The PEIN site “Illa de Canet” is separate: only the island is included. It was also designated a wildlife protection area by an order dated 17 September 1996; the protected area covers 0.7 hectares.
Illa de Canet can be viewed from Resclosa de Canet. To get there, follow the Ruta del Ter through Canet de la Tallada and turn south in the village; check local conditions before setting out. The viewpoint and the cycling route offer different perspectives: from Resclosa, the view focuses on the island, while “El Ter: caminos de agua” highlights the river’s course and its hydraulic heritage.
Discover more destinations: Garrigoles, Gualta, Terrades, Sant Mori, Saus, Camallera i Llampaies:Camallera, Darnius, Vilanant, Cervià de Ter.
For the full travel overview: Girona.
