Banyoles

Banyoles is a municipality and capital of the Pla de l'Estany region. It is located halfway between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees.

The main attraction of the city of Banyoles is the Estany de Banyoles, one of the largest natural lakes of karstic origin in Catalonia. And it is likely that the origin of its name "balneum", bath, comes from that space.

Its origins are remote, since there is data from ancient times. An example is the prehistoric mandible that was found and which is one of the most important human fossils in the Iberian Peninsula. Another example is found in the remains of an ancient settlement of farmers and ranchers from more than 7,200 years ago, which make up the Neolithic park of La Draga, one of the first Neolithic settlements in Europe (5300-500 BC) and also one of the more important thanks to the state of conservation in which numerous wooden objects, pillars of their cabins and organic remains have been found; thanks to its situation, in an area with permanent humidity, currently partially covered by the waters of the Estany. Also, very close to Banyoles we find the Roman villa of Vilauba, where remains of terracotta have been found among other objects.

However, it is not until the 9th century that the current city begins to form. This originates around the Benedictine monastery of Sant Esteve, probably built on top of an ancient Roman temple. The city continues to be built in the surroundings and is expanding as far as the church of Santa Maria dels Turers. Thus, the town was marked by the presence of the monks until their expulsion in the 19th century.

In addition, in the 12th century, thanks to the construction of the ditches that brought the water from the Estany closer to the center of town, Banyoles was already an important trapper center that had its maximum splendor during the 13th and 14th centuries. Banyoles had the rag-pickers from the Major ditch, the white mills, the dye and the flour mills. Part of this industrial heritage can be found today following the Rec Major Route. At the end of the 15th century, the construction of the wall had already been completed, which, for some time, had been in charge of protecting the population that had been settling inside.

Starting in the 14th century, Banyoles suffered a serious decline that would last until the 18th century, when it was one of the main producers of hemp fabrics. However, the crisis was not long in coming and, in the 19th century, agriculture and livestock became important.

Today Banyoles is a restless and active city where a highly unusual city pride is clearly perceived, the pride of being from Banyoles.

The singularity of Banyoles lies in the combination of a unique natural space and a vibrant urban center of culture and without cars, full of emblematic shops, historic buildings, orchards, ditches and washing places.

Several itineraries through the natural space will bring you closer to the landscapes, fauna and flora of the Estany de Banyoles.

On the other hand, some tours through the center of Banyoles will allow you to discover the history of the city and its singularities.

Visit the website turisme.banyoles.cat or visit us at the Tourist Office to not miss out on Banyoles.

Spaces of interest:

• L'Estany de Banyoles
• La Draga Neolithic Park
• Roman villa of Vilauba
• Benedictine Monastery of Sant Esteve
• The church of Santa Maria dels Turers
• ditches
• Route of the Rec Major
• Itineraries through the natural space
• Tours through the center of Banyoles
• Tourist Office