Besalú town photographs:

Besalú is a town in the comarca of Garrotxa, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain.

The town’s importance was greater in the early Middle Ages, as capital of the county of Besalú, whose territory was roughly the same size as the current comarca of Garrotxa but sometime extended as far as Corbières, Aude, in France.

Besalú, Girona: Fine Art Prints & Stock Photography

Capture the Medieval Charm of Besalú

Discover the enchanting medieval town of Besalú in Girona, Spain, through our exclusive fine art prints and stock photography. Famous for its iconic 12th-century Romanesque stone bridge spanning the Fluvià River, the well-preserved Jewish quarter, and historic churches, Besalú offers a timeless glimpse into Catalonia’s rich heritage.

A Unique Story Behind the Lens

All images on this site were taken by the founder before a severe motorcycle accident that nearly cost his life. Launching this website and sharing these photographs became a vital part of his recovery journey. Each print and photo not only showcases Besalú’s stunning architecture and natural beauty but also symbolizes resilience and hope.

What We Offer

  • Fine Art Prints: Museum-quality prints available in open and limited editions, perfect for collectors and lovers of medieval history and architecture.

  • Stock Photography: High-resolution, royalty-free images ideal for commercial, editorial, and creative projects featuring Besalú’s landmarks and atmosphere.

Wilfred the Hairy, credited with the unification of Catalonia, was Count of Besalú. The town was also the birthplace of Raimon Vidal, a medieval troubadour.

Besalú was designated as a historical national property ("conjunt històric-artístic") in 1966.

The town's most significant feature is its 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river, which features a gateway at its midpoint.

The church of Sant Pere was consecrated in 1003. The town features arcaded streets and squares and also a restored mikveh, a ritual Jewish bath dating from the eleventh or twelfth century, as well as the remains of a medieval synagogue, located in the lower town near the river.

Besalú also hosts the Museum of miniatures created by jeweler and art collector Lluís Carreras.

History:

The name Besalú is derived from the Latin Bisuldunum, meaning a fort on a mountain between two rivers. It is also the historical capital of the county of “La Garrotxa”.

One key date is the year 894, when Besalú was converted to a county with its own dynasty. The county changed from “L’Empordà” to “El Ripollès”. In the year 1111, Besalú lost its independence, for historical reasons in favor of the county of Barcelona.

Centuries later, Besalú started a decadent period, worsened by the redemptions, wars with the French and carlists.

In 1966, Besalú was declared a site of historical and artistic importance.
Monument

The monument is circled by the ancient wall from the c. XII-XIV. Unfortunately only parts of the original walls still exist. The urban configuration of the site is almost identical to the original layout. Without a doubt, the Medieval Bridge is the emblem of the town, of an angular design with seven uneven arcs and two towers. The part of the town nearest to the bridge there are many narrow streets that belong to the ancient Jewish quarter.

It is in this area where you will find the Miqvé, the purification baths, which date from c. XII, and demonstrate the presence of an important Jewish community. The street from the medieval bridge leads to the Town Square “Plaça Major”, a square whose arcades date from c. XVI, and used to be the centre of the medieval town.

Important buildings are the Local Government “Ajuntament” dating from c. XVII, the Royal Curia “Cúria Reial”, dating from c. XIV, and the "Casa Tallaferro". The street “Tallaferro” leads to the entrance to the Castle precinct. Inside the precinct there remains one of the towers from the ancient County Castle, and the apse of Saint Mary “Santa Maria” that dates from c. XI.

Along with the street “Portalet” these are the remains which best retain the medieval appearance, along with panoramic views of the Romanic Bridge. Leading up from the Main Street “Carrer Major”, there are the “Casa Romà” (c. XIV) and the parish church of Saint Vincent “Sant Vicenç” dating from c. XI-XII which has very sculpturesque doors and windows. Near to the Main Town Square, there is the “Prat de Sant Pere”, wide and spacious which used to be the Cemetery of the Benedictine monastery of Saint Peter “Sant Pere”.

Today there only remains the three-nave church and one apse, dating from the c. XI. Also there is the small chapel of Saint James “Sant Jaume” (c. XII) and the “Casa Cornellà” (Llaudes) dating from c. XII and which has a patio with three galleries.

Behind the monastery there is the church of the hospital of Saint Julian “Sant Julià”, with one nave and no apse, dating from c. XII, and an outstanding entrance portal.

Highlights of Besalú Captured in Our Collection

  • The majestic Besalú Bridge with its seven uneven arches and fortified hexagonal tower, a symbol of medieval engineering and beauty.

  • The Jewish Quarter, including the preserved Mikvé (ritual bath), one of the few remaining in Spain, offering a unique cultural insight.

  • Historic churches such as Sant Pere and Santa María, showcasing Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

  • Picturesque streets, plazas like Plaza del Sol, and panoramic views of the Fluvià River and surrounding Garrotxa region.

Why Choose Our Photography?

  • Authenticity: Each image is a genuine capture taken before the founder’s accident, making them rare and meaningful.
  • Quality: Fine art prints are produced with premium archival materials for longevity and vivid detail.
  • Versatility: Stock photos are fully licensed for commercial and editorial use.
  • Support a Story: Your purchase supports a creative project born from passion and recovery.