Maçanet de Cabrenys

Maçanet de Cabrenys is a municipality in the Alt Empordà region. It is also part of the Alta Garrotxa region, without administrative rank.

The municipal area is located at the foot of the eastern slope of the Sierra de las Salinas (Pyrenees) which hosts a section of the GR-11 trail. The Arnera and Rinadal rivers are born. To the south/southwest it limits with the municipalities of Albanyà and Sant Llorenç de la Muga, to the east with Vajol and Darnius and to the north with the North Catalan towns of Costoja, Sant Llorenç de Cerdans, Reiners, the Baths of Arles and Palaldà, Ceret and Morellàs and the Islands.

Places of interest

The church of Sant Martí

The parish church of Sant Martí is a Romanesque building from the 12th century with various later modifications. It stands out for its square tower bell tower and interior altarpieces, which are of impressive beauty. It is an emblematic site of the town, ideal for lovers of art and religious architecture. Its location in the center of the town makes it a historical and cultural reference point.

The chapel of San Sebastian

On the outskirts of the town, the chapel of San Sebastián is a late Gothic style temple from the 16th century. This small building offers a calm atmosphere, perfect for reflection. It is a cozy place that is surrounded by nature.

The sanctuary of the Virgin of the Salinas

The Sanctuary of the Virgen de las Salinas is located at 1,100 meters above sea level and 15 kilometers from the town center of Maçanet de Cabrenys. Built in 1271 and renovated during the 18th century, it maintains the original Romanesque style, with documented history since 954. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of the Alt Empordà and is a place of pilgrimage for the faithful seeking peace and spirituality.

San Pedro de los Vilares

Sant Pere dels Vilars is an old Romanesque church in ruins, located in a privileged natural environment. Despite being in ruins, its architecture and location make this site a point of historical interest. It is ideal for excursions and photographs.

Maçanet Gorgs

The Maçanet pools are natural pools of crystalline water formed by the Arnera River. They are perfect for refreshing baths in summer and are surrounded by impressive natural landscapes. The best known are the Gorg del Pla, the Gorg Negre and the Gorg Blau.

Maçanet Castles Route

The Castle Route allows you to discover the remains of several medieval castles, highlighting the Castle of Cabrera. The panoramic views of Alt Empordà from these points are spectacular. It is an ideal route for lovers of history and nature.

Other places of interest

There had been a textile and iron industry, and cork factories, but currently the main source of economic income for the municipality is tourism, along with construction. There is a wide range of restaurants. The water from the Les Creus fountain, which currently belongs to the Vichy Catalán group, is bottled. There was a large pipe factory. Now there is a small workshop left.

It enjoys a large amount of forest mass, since it is the second largest municipality in the entire region. The various rivers that pass throughout the entire municipality mean that there are a large number of pools that are widely used in hot weather. In addition, Maçanet de Cabrenys is also well known for the various mountain sports that are practiced such as mountain biking., hiking, running among others.

In Maçanet de Cabrenys the festivities are celebrated on the first Sunday in July and on November 11, the day of the patron saint, Saint Martin. On the first Sunday in August, the meeting of the Salinas is celebrated, in the sanctuary at the top of the mountain. The first Sunday after San Isidro there is a popular rice in the same place.