The public wash-house
It's a fabulous place to take your best Instagram photos ! Spain is full of colourful villages, and these public wash-houses are proof of that. In spring, enjoy the reflection of the leafy trees in the water, which will give an impression of greenish colour. In winter, the colour of the sky will bring out the yellow of the walls. The architecture is absolutely magnificent, and I absolutely fell in love with the place.
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The feminist street art of Sònia Estévez
I really fell in love with this street art by illustrator Sònia Estévez. It features a quote in Catalan: "Malson esburbat, que pessigues la vida, calla per sempre !" which in English means "Disturbed nightmare, that pinches life, shut up forever !". I urge you to follow the illustrator on her Instagram account: @ssonjass because his work is fantastic !
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The walls of Castelló d'Empúries
Like the washhouse, this part of Castelló d'Empúries is a real favourite ! The walls are still in great condition, and the little road leading to them is as peaceful as can be. Only the sound of birdsong lulled our little excursion to this Catalan town. You can enjoy a magnificent view of the Basilica of Santa Clara and, at the end of your walk, a small tower housing a restaurant (El Portal de la Gallarda) that we didn't try.
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The farinière ecomuseum
Unfortunately it was closed when we visited, but it's still worth a visit to find out more about the lives of the workers involved in growing and processing wheat, as well as the machinery used over the years. You'll discover the evolution of the flour industry in Catalonia and the changes undergone by flour production in the second half of the 19th century. The tour takes you through the manufacturing areas, following the process of transforming wheat into flour and bread.
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The ancient synagogue
After Girona, Castelló d'Empúries was home to the second most important Jewish quarter in the diocese. The ancient synagogue can be seen in the Rue des Juifs. I found the architecture magnificent, a sort of colourful "square" house, which is clearly visible in this little alleyway. There are virtually no records of this synagogue, but some documents have been able to trace key elements of its history.
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The monastery of Santa Clara
Enter the monastery and you'll find a convent that leads straight to the Antoni Agramont Municipal Music School. A dream place to learn and practise music, don't you think ? The inner courtyard is home to a number of plants that blend perfectly with the pale yellow walls. I love Catalonia for this reason : colour on the walls, just about everywhere in the towns and villages !
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The Basilica of Santa Maria
The architecture of this basilica is absolutely AMAZING ! When I saw it in person, the only word I could think of was "wow" ! The details around the door are particularly sumptuous. It's the highlight of Castelló d'Empúries, and well worth a visit. You can visit it from the inside, but there is an entrance charge.
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La Loge (la Llotja)
Large arches lead straight to a square, offering a splendid view of a new angle of the Basilica of Santa Maria. Entirely paved, and with beautiful architecture, this spot - like the Basilica - is well worth a visit. You can play with the arches to take original photos of the Basilica ! Personally, I loved this place, which is particularly peaceful...
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The colourful streets of Castelló d'Empúries
How can you visit Castelló d'Empúries without taking the time to admire the beauty of its colourful streets ? Some are cobbled, some aren't, but they're all so charming ! As I walked through them on my way from one point to another, I was amazed by the explosion of colour. As I said, Castelló d'Empúries is a very quiet place (especially in winter), so take your time...!
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