Ventalló forms a transitional area between the forests of Terraprim and the agricultural land of the plain. The area follows the banks of the Fluvià to the former wetlands of Pelacalç. Its landscape and history offer two different perspectives on the destination: the river and agricultural landscape on the one hand, and the historic town centres and their architectural heritage on the other.
Landscape, water skiing and early history
Els Gorgs de Valveralla are artificial lakes currently used for water skiing. The Xavi Mill water-skiing centre is based there. If you are interested in water skiing, this is a clearly defined activity; if you are mainly looking for local history, you can focus on Ventalló’s many historic buildings and those in its town centres. This gives different interests their own focus, without implying a fixed excursion route.
The area’s history goes back a long way: settlements have existed in Ventalló since the Neolithic period. Documented archaeological sites span the period from the 1st century BC to the 8th century. The municipality’s traditional town centres have been documented since the 10th and 11th centuries and belonged to the County of Empúries. Ventalló itself is recorded as a castle in the 10th century. These details refer to different historical layers—from early settlements and archaeological sites to the documented town centres and castle.
Castle traces and art in Ventalló
In the historic town centre, traces of the former wall and several towers can be seen in the courtyards of Carrer del Mar. Casa del Delme preserves the course of part of the former castle perimeter; loopholes are visible there from Plaça Major. Before the end of the 10th century, the new church of Sant Miquel was built in Ventalló over an older church.
Can Perramon dates from the 17th century and once served as the residence of the lords of Ventalló. Today, the building houses the Fundació Perramon. It is a museum with more than 150 works of contemporary art, mainly paintings and sculptures; the size and presentation of the collection may change. Local history thus ranges from castles and churches to a collection of contemporary art.
Architectural heritage in the town centres
Pelacalç also features a variety of architectural forms from different periods. The castle has been documented since the beginning of the 14th century; remains of the former castle wall are visible from Carrer de Can Picó. Can Picó has a Gothic-Renaissance window, while the Capella de l’Assumpta incorporates stones from the castle. Can Joanmiquel, now called Can Saló, is one of the oldest farmhouses in Pelacalç.
Valveralla preserves a compact town centre with buildings dating from the 16th to the 18th century. The church of Sant Vicenç in the town centre dates from 1721. In Montiró, the present architectural ensemble comprises around a dozen farmhouses grouped around the church of Sant Sadurní. Only the Romanesque apse of the original church remains visible; the building was extensively altered. Ca l’Isern, in the centre of Montiró, was the palace of the Margarit family.
Other places each have their own historical features: Santa Eugènia de Saldet is a small Romanesque church that was extended in the 19th century. Since ancient times, Saldet has been a crossing point where a Roman road from Fortià and el Far crossed the river towards Empúries. In Els Masos, Can Bagué has been documented in parish records since the 16th century; the former Font Peregrina is west of the town centre. The old church of Sant Andreu in Vila-robau preserves traces of Romanesque painting inside and was probably built in the 10th century. The differences between the Romanesque apse, church paintings, farmhouses and castle remains offer concrete points of reference if you would like to focus your stay on architectural history.
Where to stay in Ventalló
Can Marisch is a manor house dating from the 16th century that is now used for rural tourism. If you are considering staying here, check the current accommodation options before booking.
Discover more destinations: Pelacalç, Vilademuls, La Vall D'en Bas, Isòvol, Sant Tomàs De Fluvià, El Port De La Selva, Vidreres, Tossa De Mar.
For the overview of the wider region: Girona.
