Cassà de la Selva

Cassà de la Selva is a southern village located in a privileged natural environment, between the protected area of the Gavarres massif and the Pla de la Selva. Located in a strategic point in the south of the Gironès region, Cassà is located 14 kilometers from Girona and 20 kilometers from the Costa Brava.

The exploitation of the south has marked and marked the life of the municipality. Here, Cassà can discover the journey that takes a long journey from the trees to our taules. A trip that begins to the forest, to the Gavarres, to the southern alzines and the peel of the escorça forest, and that ends to the companies that he transforms into the taps that keep the best wines of the territory.

Cassà, moreover, is a land of music. A rich musical tradition has developed since the 19th century, both of which are still in use today. This tradition is seen reflected in the multitude of concerts and songs organized throughout the city, such as the Solfejant, the Càntut or the Night of Music.

The cultural offer is complete with various festivals and shows, among which the Tap and South Fair and the Santa Tecla Fair stand out, as well as a rich architectural heritage that includes a medieval core and small modernist joys, also fruit of the arrival of the southern industry.

Its position between two naturally rich countries also makes the municipality a privileged point for discovering the fauna and flora of our environment. From the souths, pine forests, alzinars and bushes of the Gavarres, shelter of ungulats and carnivores, ends in the open spaces clapejats of remnants of forest of the pla, habitat of numerous ocells.

Among this natural heritage, the floodplain meadows of Esclet stand out, a protected area that presents a characteristic flora and is the habitat of various species of amphibians, and the public estate of Can Vilallonga, located in the Protected Natural Area of Les Gavarres, where you can discover the traditional activities linked to the forest and the land.

Furthermore, the green vineyards and the paths that cross the surroundings of the municipality allow us to discover all this natural and cultural heritage in a sustainable, active and respectful way for both nature and the people who live in the territory.

Places of interest

Cassà medieval i modernn

The origins of Cassà de la Selva date back to the Middle Ages, specifically to the 10th century, when the municipality appeared documents. In the 12th century the existence of a castle is mentioned and, during this entire stage, the town became closely linked to Girona, becoming a prominent point on the road that connected the city to the coast. From this medieval period and the later modern period, various buildings located in the old neighborhood of the municipality are preserved.

The most notable is the parish church of Sant Martí. Although it has a Romanesque origin, the current building mainly presents a Gothic structure from the 16th century, with elements from the Renaissance to the façade and neoclassical chapels as well as creuers. Inside you can see the copy of the main baroque altar that was sculpted by Pau Costa in the 18th century. The original altar was destroyed during the Civil War, but some elements, such as Solomonic columns or various figures of angels, could be saved and incorporated into the current reconstruction.

Within this old neighborhood of medieval origin, the oldest part of Cassà, there is also the whole of Can Frigola and the Torre Salvana, located on Carrer d'Avall, next to the finest Gothic buildings of Can Xifré, on Plaça Doctor Botet. Can Frigola and the Torre Salvana form a 16th century Gothic ensemble integrated by a house and a defense tower that at the time will also serve as a prison. The exterior highlights the large voussoir entrance door, the Gothic finials and a circular sentry box built around the totxo.

Visit this area also up to Plaça Petita, a space that, despite its six small dimensions, was the main commercial center of the town, which this function will move to Plaça de la Coma. Molt a prop hi ha la traverse de les Mesures, on es conserve un porxada gallery del 18th century que antigament allotjava los públiques de la vila.

Buildings of modernist influence

The history of Cassà de la Selva is closely linked to the southern industry, which began the municipality in the 18th century. The growth and prosperity that this activity will bring to the village will lead many owners to build houses, factories and other buildings in the aesthetic aspect had a notable paper. Most of these constructions combine various styles inspired by the architectural trends of the moment, especially the Modernisme of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Among the most representative buildings is Can Nadal, which currently houses the Cassà City Council; the Gas Factory, which produced and supplied acetyl gas for the public lighting of the municipality; the houses on Ample street; Can Trinxeria, with sculptures by Enric Clarasó and has already become municipal equipment; the Center Recreatiu, an important space of leisure and discovery that has finally arrived on these three days; Can Serra, or the Galà Room.

The best way to discover this heritage, with clear modernist influences and other elements of interest in the town, is to follow the Southern Route to Cassà de la Selva, an itinerary that allows you to discover the legacy that the southern industry has left in the architectural heritage of the municipality.

Little train

The arrival of the train to Cassà in 1892 was going to be a big change for the municipality. The line, which connected Girona to the port of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, reflected the strong development that the area experienced at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, especially thanks to the southern industry. In addition to promoting this sector, the train will also be very useful for the city, which has a new capacity to transport its various products to the markets. Likewise, it will have a more playful event, since special events are organized so that the Portuguese people can attend the festivities of the villages.

The train, affectionately connected by the inhabitants of the area with the Petit Train or the Carrilet, stops at the Estació building, a construction with modernist elements that today is preserved as municipal equipment. The line will operate at the end of 1969, however it will close definitively.

Of that train that will mark the lives of the cassanencs so much, there is currently a locomotive, a cabin and a van, which Josep M. Bregante will acquire shortly after the line's disposal. The locomotive, number 6, was purchased in 1905 and will be one of the last to circulate. It was equipped with a boiler that consumed between 8 and 10 kg of coal per kilometer. The car and the van date back to 1891. The car was a passenger car, model A3, initially first class, but later it was transformed into a second class, with two seats enclosed with pell a set of two cane benches. The van, for its part, is intended for transporting equipment. All three vehicles will be manufactured in Germany.

Sala Galà Cultural Centre

The Sala Galà Cultural Center is a clear space for art, music and reading in Cassà de la Selva. It is a multipurpose facility that integrates the Municipal Library, the Music School and the Josep Lloveras Art School.

In addition, it includes an auditorium where local organizations and various cultural activities are organized. The entire complex is located in an eclectic style building with modernist influences, which was initially planned as a ballroom at the beginning of the 20th century.

Enjoy the experience!