Torroella de Montgrí

A royal town at the foot of Montgrí massif

Only 6km from the sea and the Montgrí shelter (302m), watered by the River Ter that gives life to the plain. A villa that travels in time and respects history.

Torroella de Montgrí is a town in the Baix Empordà county, situated at the foot of the Montgrí Massif (302 m), 6 km from the coast and very near the River Ter that irrigates the surrounding plain.

The climate is mild, with a mean annual temperature of 14.8 ºC, averaging 8.8 ºC in January and 22.5 ºC in July.

The main sources of wealth are agriculture, on the fertile plain lands, and commerce, as evidenced by the lively Monday morning market.

Workshops and small businesses account for industrial activity of the area. Although not a tourist town as such, Torroella has a lot to offer visitors who wish to discover a traditional Empordà market town.

An excellent programme of cultural events throughout the year attracts visitors and local residents alike.

Museum of the Mediterranean

Plaça de la Vila

Cloister of the Agustine monastery

Palau Solterra – Vila Casas Foundation

Mascort Foundation

The Bataller House, at number 19

The Seguer House, at number 31

The Comas House, 19th century

Passeig de l’Església

Palau lo Mirador

Church of Sant Genís

Santa Caterina Gateway

Torre de les Bruixes (“Witches’ tower”)

Plaça d’Albert de Quintana i Combis

11. Torre de les bruixes

A town with
personality

To stroll around Torroella is to stroll back in time. Look out for the remains of the old town walls: Santa Caterina gate and the Torre de les Bruixes; the gothic church of Sant Genís and the Montgrí Castle, small 11th century treasures; the 16th-17th century Casa Pastors and Casa del Metge on Carrer Major; and finally, the colonial houses built by successful emigrants returning from the Americas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Architectural
heritage

The whimsical layout of its narrow streets, the impressive medieval centre, the rich cultural life, the friendly shops and the affable character of the people will make you enjoy your stay with us all the more.

Montgrí Castle

Montgrí Castle is today the symbol of Torroella de Montgrí. The uncompleted fortress was built between 1294 and 1301 to flaunt the superiority of King Jaume II over the local Counts of Empúries, and affords excellent views of the spectacular surrounding landscape. From the top of one of its towers there is a 360º panoramic view of the whole Empordà area. By looking northwards and turning slowly in an anti-clockwise direction you will see the Bay of Roses, Empúries, Canigó Massif, the Pyrenees, Montseny Massif, the Gavarres Mountains, the Baix Ter and L’Estartit Bay with the Medes Islands.

Suggested itinerary

Montgrí Castle, Santa Caterina hermitage, Cau del Duc cave. Departure from Torroella de Montgrí. Leave your car in the car park and continue on foot from Plaça del Lledoner. Go up Carrer de Fàtima, and at the end of this street you will see a sign indicating Montgrí Castle. From here on, follow the red and white markings on stones along the way. When you reach the large cross, you can either continue on down through the valley towards Santa Caterina hermitage or follow the path up to the right until you get to the castle. About 50 m before the top, you will see an indication to Cau del Duc cave.

A relaxing stroll around old Torroella will allow you to savour all the charm of this town.

Art, music & culture

An artistic municipality with a rhythmic pulse

Art, music and heritage place Torroella de Montgrí and l’Estartit among the major cultural destinations of Catalonia.

Our musical heritage comes from way back and we can be truly proud of this rich tradition. The town has a comprehensive annual programme of musical recitals, concerts and sardana dancing, as well as the prestigious summer International Music Festival.

It is also a town of painters, sculptors, writers and photographers, with a dynamic cultural scene that has attracted several private foundations and art galleries: Vila Casas Foundation, Mascort Foundation, Michael Dunev Art Projects, Atrium Roca Sans and Traç d’Art (L’Estartit), and municipal spaces such as St Anthony’s Chapel in Torroella and the Municipal Exhibition Hall in L’Estartit.

Museum of the Mediterranean

Museum of the Mediterranean – Montgrí, Medes islands and Baix Ter Nature Park interpretation centre

The Museum of the Mediterranean opens its doors for you to discover and explore the Mediterranean area, taking the Montgrí Massif, the Baix Ter Plain and the Medes Islands as the starting point. A hands-on experience, inviting young and old alike to breathe in the aromas of the Mediterranean, listen to its sounds and its music, get in touch with its history and enjoy a panoramic audiovisual on the Mediterranean area today.

The Museum also houses the Interpretation Centre for the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Nature Park. The Museum of the Mediterranean provides a clear example of our commitment to local culture. Since 2003, its aim is to interpret, disseminate and protect the natural and historic legacy of the Montgrí Massif, the Baix Ter and the Medes Islands.