Attractions and Places To See around Sant Martí Vell - Top 20

Sant Martí Vell is rich in history. You can visit the majestic 11th-century Church of Sant Martí, which features Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, including a Gothic bell tower and a Renaissance-style frontispiece. The village itself offers a journey back in time with its well-preserved medieval architecture, stone houses, and narrow cobbled streets. Additionally, the Cathedral Square of Girona, with its impressive Cathedral of Santa María, is a significant historical site nearby.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Santuari de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels, located atop Puig Alt in the Gavarres massif. This sanctuary offers stunning 360-degree vistas that stretch to the Pyrenees and even the Medes Islands. The popular Els Àngels Climb from Girona also leads to a viewpoint with excellent scenery, and the Santa Pellaia Pass provides great views along its route.

Yes, besides Sant Martí Vell itself, you can visit Monells — Medieval village. It's a charming town known for its alleys and bars, offering a glimpse into another century. Both villages provide a wonderful experience of Catalonia's medieval heritage.

The area around Sant Martí Vell, nestled at the northern edge of the Gavarres massif, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking through wild forests of pines, holm oaks, and cork oaks. Cycling is also very popular, with routes like the Els Àngels Climb from Girona and the Santa Pellaia Pass offering rewarding experiences. For more specific routes, explore the MTB Trails around Sant Martí Vell, Gravel biking around Sant Martí Vell, and Road Cycling Routes around Sant Martí Vell.

Sant Martí Vell is characterized by its location within the Gavarres massif, featuring diverse landscapes of wild forests. The municipality is also traversed by the Rissec stream and the Sant Martí stream, adding to its natural charm. Elevated points throughout the area offer stunning vistas of the expansive scenery.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Old Fishmongers' Bridge in Girona is considered family-friendly, offering an interesting architectural sight. Exploring the medieval streets of Sant Martí Vell and nearby Monells — Medieval village can also be an engaging experience for families.

The Santuari de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels is a significant religious and cultural site. Built in the 15th century, it's an example of Catalan Baroque architecture. It's also famously where Salvador Dalí and Gala chose to have their church wedding in 1958, drawn by its beauty and incredible 360-degree panoramic views from atop Puig Alt.

Sant Martí Vell is particularly picturesque in spring when wisteria flowers adorn the facades of its medieval buildings. The mild weather during spring and autumn also makes it ideal for hiking and cycling activities in the surrounding Gavarres massif.

The Gavarres massif surrounding Sant Martí Vell offers numerous hiking routes. While specific difficulty levels vary, the area is known for its tranquil natural beauty, providing options for those seeking both leisurely walks and more challenging ascents. Many routes allow visitors to enjoy the local flora and fauna.

The Els Àngels Climb from Girona is a favorite among cyclists and hikers. It's a popular starting point for cycling around Girona, offering rewarding views, and amenities like drinks and food at the top. While it can get busy, especially on weekends, it's known for its scenic ascent and the panoramic reward at the summit.

Yes, in Girona, you can see the Old Fishmongers' Bridge. This distinctive metal bridge, with its numerous red struts, was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris, making it a unique architectural highlight.

The Cathedral of Santa María de Girona, located at the highest point of the city, is renowned for having the widest Gothic nave in the world, measuring almost 23 meters across. Its construction began in the 11th century in the Romanesque style and continued with Gothic elements, making it a significant historical and architectural landmark.