What to see and do in Pals, the curious Gothic town on the Costa Brava

La Costa Brava It is well known for its beaches and coves, but a stay in this coastal area of Catalonia It can hold many other attractions for you.

Among them, the possibility of visiting charming medieval towns, and in this regard Pals, in the Lower Ampurdán, takes on great prominence.

Pals It is an inland town 40 kilometers east of the city of Girona, which is especially known for its rehabilitated gothic enclosure over the last decades and very well preserved.

Curiosities history of Pals, Gothic town and Radio Liberty

De Pals There is already information from the 9th century, although its castle and wall were built between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Located on a hill surrounded by marshy plains where grow rice, one of the main economic activities currently in the area, the current pals charm It is largely due to the doctor Pí and Figueras.

In a town that was destroyed in the 40s of the last century, this character began to acquire properties for its later restoration.

The rise of Pals during the last century is also due to the installation in 1959 of Radio Liberty, a very powerful station that from nearby pals beach issued anti-communist propaganda aimed at the old Soviet Union.

The presence of a small American military contingent to maintain it made Pals in a very prosperous town.

Now when visit pals you are going to travel a very small walled enclosure where all the houses are made of stone and are in a very good state of conservation.

What to see and do in Pals in one day

On your journey you should pay attention to the gothic style windows, and in the various decorative elements of the facades, among which the guardian angels.

Ca la Pruna House of Culture in Pals

A first building to note that you will find as you head towards the small walled enclosure is Ca la Pruna, an old fortified house from the 15th century that is now the headquarters of the Pals House of Culture.

Plaza Mayor of Pals

Soon you reach the little one Plaza Mayor, located outside the walls of the old medieval enclosure, which you access by passing under a gothic arch.

In this square you have the headquarters of the town hall and Pals Tourist Office.

Once inside the medieval enclosure, your attention will be drawn to the tombs that date back to the time of the Visigoths, which are located in a rocky nook.

Church of Saint Peter in Pals

You will soon arrive at main monument of Pals, St. Peter's Church, whose origins take you back to the year 994, and in which various architectural styles overlap.

From the Romanesque base from the 10th century, and the apse and Gothic nave from the 15th century, to the baroque entrance portico, from the 17th century, and the bell tower from the 18th century.

Tower of Homage in Pals

Very close you can see the tower of tribute a Romanesque tower which was part of the castle.

An adjacent building is the family's private residence Pi and Figueras.

Josep Pla viewpoint in Pals

Finally, from the the church square you can access the Josep Pla viewpoint, from where you have excellent panoramic views of this area of ​​the Lower Ampurdán.

In short, a very pleasant walk that is not only justified to pass the time on a bad day at the beach.

Pals It deserves your visit at any time during your stay on the Costa Brava for its peculiar appeal.

Map: how to get to Pals

Pals you find it on the Costa Brava, at the height and east of Girona, and very close to very touristy towns such as Begur, Calella de Palafrugell y Llanfranc.

Photos of Pals in Costa Brava

Here you have more photos of Pals in Bajo Ampurdán.