La Vall de Bianya is a municipality comprising small and large valleys that offer a blend of meadows, woods and streams. Its four valleys are La Vall de Bianya, La Vall del Bac, La Vall de Carrera and La Vall de Sant Ponç.
Partly situated in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, it boasts one of the region's most charming landscapes.
The Roman road of Capsacosta, that joins La Vall de Bianya with Sant Pau de Segúries in Ripollès, was a secondary route that connected with the Via Augusta at Figueres. This true work of engineering is a big attraction and of great interest, since along its length there are information panels on the elements used to build it: wheel guards, drains, dry stone walls made with huge ashlars (blocks of stone)...
The valley's beauty is also enhanced by its 15 Romanesque churches. Spread across the whole territory, they are the best testimony to life in this region.
The 15 Romanesque churches scattered throughout the Vall de Bianya provide this valley with touches of great beauty and are testimony to the way of life of the people that live there.
The route begins in La Canya and visits the valleys of Bianya, Sant Ponç and Bac before returning to La Canya. We recommend you take three whole days to visit all the churches, as well as all the other historical, cultural, architectural and natural features that you will discover along the ancient trails of La Vall de Bianya.
This route takes visitors along the Roman road of Capsacosta and past a variety of old farmhouses, some exhibiting the characteristics of local architecture, some the delights of the much more recent Art Nouveau. The valley also boasts exuberant natural landscapes of forest and meadows, which walkers can enjoy at leisure as they follow Bianya’s waymarked footpaths.
Highly recommended is a visit to the Vall de Bianya Landscape Interpretation Centre in Sant Salvador de Bianya. This interpretation and information centre for the valley offers visitors exhibitions, the chance to purchase local products, an audiovisual display and a pedagogical workshop, and is also the starting point for guided visits to Sant Salvador de Bianya, the valley’s Romanesque churches and the Roman Road.
Did you know?
Many churches of the municipality to come off severely spoiled in the 15th century due to the earthquakes. The strongest were produced on the 15th March of 1427 and on the 2nd February of 1428.
Don’t miss
If you decide to visit in mid-February you will also be able to visit the Fira del Farro in La Vall de Bianya, a gastronomical fair with examples of all the most typical culinary features of the comarca.
Route details
·How? some parts on foot, others by bike or by car
·How to get there: along the N-260 from Olot
·Duration: 3 days (the route is designed to take in five churches a day)
·Observations: the route is not signposted as such, although it is fairly easy to reach all the churches.
·Signposted? no
More information
·La Garrotxa tourist map
·Itinerary suitable for people with children
·Itinerary partly suitable for people with reduced mobility
