The Old Town of Sant Feliu de Pallerols: A Charming Medieval Refuge

In the heart of the Hostoles valley lies a village that encapsulates the essence of its history in cobbled streets and charming houses. Within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, Sant Feliu de Pallerols stretches across the valleys of the Brugent river, offering a perfect fusion of nature and culture.

The old town of Sant Feliu de Pallerols was originated in the medieval period when, following the Peace and Truce treaty (12th century) was established a safe space around the church called sagrera. In this area, thirty steps from the Church of Sant Feliu (a magnificent building combining Romanesque and Gothic elements) the violence was prohibited. This pioneering peace initiative in Catalonia was aimed at interrupting the numerous feudal wars and allowing periods of stability, allowing the growth of nuclei like this now rich in architectural heritage like washhouses, fountains, and house entrance portals. All of them will transport you back to the Middle Ages. Also, the mill, a key piece of the era. Powered by hydraulic force, the Conqueta mill, visitable on the urban itinerary, is surely contemporary to that period.

Today, the old town center hosts the legacy of that cultural heritage: the Major Festival of Sant Feliu de Pallerols, declared a Traditional Festival of National Interest in 1999. Participate in this event and enjoy the violin sounds of the dance of the giants, little horses, and the mulassa, the most amusing character of the festive parade, with a surprisingly elastic neck!