The legend of Home Escorça (Cortex Man) of the Vall d'en Bas - Les Preses

In La Garrotxa, one of the greenest, most volcanic and historically rich regions of Catalonia, you will not only discover beautiful valleys, dormant volcanoes and charming villages: you will also find beings that seem to have emerged from myths and legends.

Among them stands out the Home Escorça, a magical figure who protects the forests of Vall d'en Bas – Les Preses, a territory of lush nature, volcanic landscapes, and traditions that attracts families and lovers of unique stories. His tale and symbolic presence are part of that singular Catalonia that captivates not only with its beauty but also with the universe of myths that surrounds it.

The Home Escorça is an imaginary figure linked to the oral tradition and narratives of the region, conceived as a protective spirit of the forests and nature of the valley. It is described as a being with a body made of wood and "white blood," who watches over the health of the trees and the wild paths that crisscross the Garrotxa. This figure captures the imagination of visitors and locals alike, becoming a symbol that represents the connection between humankind and the natural environment.

La Vall d'en Bas - Les Preses: landscape and legend

The territory symbolically inhabited by the Home Escorça is widely known for its natural and cultural richness. The Vall d'en Bas is a valley that preserves a volcanic landscape dating back thousands of years, with Atlantic forests, green meadows, and charming little villages steeped in history. The municipality was formed by the union of various villages and historic centers such as Sant Esteve d'en Bas, Els Hostalets d'en Bas, Sant Privat d'en Bas, and El Mallol, each with its own history and Romanesque heritage.

Among the natural attractions are routes that cross lush forests and volcanic areas, such as the Pedra Tosca Park, where the rock formations and landscape create a unique aesthetic, or trails that allow you to observe the biodiversity characteristic of this Mediterranean-Atlantic environment. This setting provides the perfect backdrop for the figure of Home Escorça to take on meaning, a guardian who seems to emerge from the tree bark and the life teeming beneath the layer of fallen leaves.

Beyond the legend: culture, nature and sustainability

The Vall d'en Bas - Les Preses is more than just a setting for legends. Its history stretches back centuries, with Romanesque architecture and vestiges of traditional Catalan rural life. The historic villages, with their churches, squares, and ancient paths, speak of an agricultural and communal past that has been preserved to this day. This rich cultural heritage is complemented by a natural landscape that inspires respect and care.

When we talk about a place like this, we're also talking about sustainability and preservation. The routes and itineraries have been designed with minimal environmental impact in mind, and many family activities incorporate educational elements so that both adults and children understand the importance of conserving the forests, waterways, and biodiversity surrounding Home Escorça. Thus, the legend is not just a beautiful story, but a tool for raising awareness about environmental protection.

An invitation to discover the unique Catalonia

In a world where authenticity and personal experience are increasingly valued, places like Vall d'en Bas - Les Preses shine for their ability to offer a landscape that is both physical and imagined. Figures like Home Escorça remind us that nature is not an object of consumption, but a space inhabited by history, life, and also our imagination.

For those visiting La Garrotxa, whether with family, friends, or alone, this mythical creature is the perfect excuse to explore beyond what meets the eye. It's a way to connect with the land, to ask questions, and to return from the excursion with a story to tell. And that's precisely what makes Singular Catalonia unique: places where nature, culture, and legend merge to create unforgettable experiences.

The Home Escorça de la Vall d'en Bas - Les Preses is much more than a legendary character; he is a symbol of the relationship between the inhabitants of this territory and nature, an invitation to discover and love a corner of Catalonia that captivates as much for its landscapes as for its stories.