Cadaqués

1. OLD TOWN AND SAINT MARY’S CHURCH

One of the best ways to visit Cadaqués and learn about its history is to wander around the Old Town and winding cobbled streets. Medieval town used to be walled-in and was located where the Old Town is today. Only the remains of the ancient bastion of the wall have been preserved up to today and it is part of the Town Hall. The ancient pavement, known as rastell was handmade using slate stones, can be appreciated when walking through the Old Town. Rastell has been best preserved in El Call Street. The slate stones, placed in a vertical position, were arranged following the herringbone pattern to absorb the excess of water and to prevent people from slipping. Located at the highest point of the Old Town, the town’s centre-piece is the church of Santa Maria with a wonderful view over the bay, Es Cucurucuc and Cala Nans lighthouse. The construction began in the middle of the 16th century and the style is mostly late Gothic. That part of the aisle nearest the facade dates from the years 1634-1640, and the “Capella Fonda” dates from the 17th. to 19th. The old church was destroyed by the Turkish pirate Barbarrosa who assaulted the village in 1543. After that, the church was rebuilt thanks to the fishermen’s contribution from fishing on bank holidays, public holidays and weekends. The church holds the most important 18th c. baroque altarpiece (School of Vic) in Alt Empordà. It is 23m high and is dedicated to Verge de l’Esperança, a Madonna. It was designed by Jacint Moretó and made by sculptors Pau Costa and Joan Torres. During the Spanish War in 1938 built a wall in front of the altarpiece to protect it and the rest of the church was used for prisoners of war. The baroque decoration is completed with 9 other altarpieces, much smaller, in glided wood. The organ is another important piece of great patrimonial value. It was made by Josep Boscà between 1689 and 1691, and it is considered one of the oldest organs in Catalonia.

2. PORTLLIGAT AND THE HOUSE-MUSEUM OF SALVADOR DALÍ

Dalí house is in a bay called Portlligat, which is one of the most popular coves in Cadaqués. The house consists of a series of fishermen’s houses that Gala and Dalí joined together in the form of a labyrinth. This is where the artist found peace and inspiration to paint most of his works of art. Portlligat‘s name can be explained because if we look at the sea from the beach it seems as if this place was surrounded with land, as a lake. There are two islands, Portlligat’s Island, and on the other side there is another smaller island, Sa Farnera. Portlligat has been traditionally the base of many of the fishermen of Cadaqués (If you want to know the Opening Times of the Dalí’s House, see Culture-Museums). As it is known, Salvador Dalí was especially fascinated by Cadaqués. This fascination led him to know every inch of the town and to depict some of the smallest details transforming them into essential elements.

3. THE CAP DE CREUS

Located in Alt Empordà, it is formed by 8 municipalities: Llançà, Vilajuïga, Pau, Palau Saverdera, Roses, Cadaqués, Port de la Selva and Selva de Mar. It was created in 1998 and it is the first marine and terrestrial nature reserve in Catalonia, with a total of 13,886 hectares, divided into 3,090 of coast and 10,386 of land. There are more than 800 plants cataloged. The park is notable for its endemic species, and we also find a wide range of land and sea animals. The spectacular geological outcrops are one of the most significant features of the Natural Park, which were formed millions of years ago by pressure and high temperatures. The sea and the wind have carved the rocks revealing complicated and surprising forms, mineral veins and folds. Apart from the rich natural heritage, the cultural heritage, which is scattered all over the area, is also remarkable as it ennobles the landscape. Sant Pere de Rodes monastery is considered a prime example together with the dry-stone huts, the hermitages, the farmhouses, the mines, the ancient cattle-ways, dolmens, and menhirs. For all those who wish to experience the Natural Park, there is a broad range of leisure activities such as: trekking, kayaking, scuba diving, cycling, horse riding, angling (except in the integral reserve of Encalladora island), excursions, as well as cultural and pedagogical activities. This is a Natural Park and so there are a number of rules and regulations that must be complied with.