In Vilaür, architectural history and landscape come together for a journey of discovery: the medieval centre features a short passage through the lower part of a tower, while agricultural land and pine forests shape the landscape mosaic on the edge of the Plana d’Empordà. Other highlights include the church of Sant Esteve, the manor house Can Puig, and an extensive network of routes and paths. The historic buildings and the various ways to organise routes offer different focal points for a stay.
Architectural history in the medieval centre
The entrance portal to the medieval centre is a short passage through the lower part of a tower, covered by a barrel vault. A barrel vault is an elongated, arched covering. The portal’s specific architectural details therefore include its position in the tower and the distinctive shape of its ceiling.
At Sant Esteve de Vilaür, the church’s origins and its present-day appearance belong to different periods. The church dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries; its current appearance is that of a Romanesque building from the 12th and 13th centuries, which was extensively altered in the late Middle Ages and in later centuries. Around the 15th and 16th centuries, it was fortified with a structure built above the original church, almost doubling the height of the building. This makes it possible to distinguish several construction phases rather than attributing the church to a single period.
Can Puig adds an 18th-century manor house to this architectural history. It has preserved all of its outbuildings. Together with the portal and Sant Esteve, it brings examples from different centuries into focus.
Landscape and routes
On the edge of the Plana d’Empordà, Vilaür forms a landscape mosaic of agricultural land and pine forests. This gives the place a second focal point alongside its historic buildings. The extensive network of routes and paths makes it possible to organise routes on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback; trail conditions may vary seasonally.
Two different time estimates are given for walkers. The Vilaür–Saus walking route takes one hour. The “Ruta 149. Camallera, Saus, Vilaür i Llampaies” route is estimated to take approximately 2.45 hours—for experienced walkers and without breaks. This longer estimate is therefore explicitly based on walking experience and taking no breaks.
Your mode of travel is also important when planning: the route network includes routes on foot, by bicycle, and on horseback, while the two time estimates given apply to walks. Do not therefore use these walking times to plan cycling or riding trips. Check the conditions of your planned route locally, as they may vary seasonally.
Getting there via the AP-7
To get there via the AP-7, take exit 5 and follow the GI-623 towards l’Escala. After approximately 23 kilometres, turn onto the GI-6231 towards Vilaür. The sequence of exit, road, and turn provides specific guidance for your journey; treat the distance as approximate.
Discover more destinations: Campdorà, Sant Miquel De Campmajor, Serinyà, Biure, Espolla, Besalú, Brunyola, Mieres
For the wider travel overview: Girona.
