You may not have heard of Besalú. I hadn’t until a few weeks ago. It’s a small town located in the northern region of Catalonia with just over 2300 inhabitants. What it lacks in size it makes up for in history with a town market dating back to the year 1027 and a ritual Jewish bath dating back to the 12th century. I thoroughly enjoyed my day in Besalú strolling through this small medieval town, along small maze-like passage ways, making several stops for a cappuccino along the way. They know how to make a good cappuccino here!
Wandering the streets of Besalu.
My favorite way to experience Besalú was just wandering. I wandered through the cobblestone streets, I walked along the river, taking in the views of the famous bridge, I wandered through passageways:
Passage ways dating back to medieval times, made me feel like I was stepping back in time.
It was one of these such passage ways, that led to an AMAZING cafe, 10 del Pont, a stone walled cafe with an assortment of teas and the best caramels I have ever tasted. I bought three bags the first time, then went back the next day for another bag. Despite my sugar high from four bags of caramels, I wish I would have bought more.
One of the most charming cafes I have ever been in - anywhere!
I preferred to walk the streets of Besalú – wait a minute, that didn’t come out right, but you know what I mean. Besides I had to burn off some of the calories I consumed from eating four bags of caramels, but another more leisurely option was also available for those who hadn’t indulged like I had:
Visitors have the option of exploring Besalu by train, although I preferred to do it on foot.
Along the way we stopped at the cathedral, dominating the town square:
The cathedral in Besalu is in the town square.
Next was a stop at the quirky and almost unbelievable Museum of Miniatures:
One of the exhibits on display at the Museum of Miniatures in Besalu.
The Museum of Miniatures features over 2000 pieces of varying sizes, with the micro miniatures featuring detailed artworks displayed in the eye of a needle! Fortunately the micro miniatures are presented with magnifying glasses. I loved this 0ff-beat museum and I think it would be a hit with children as well.
Besalú is also soon to be famous for its artwork – the humble chair as you’ve never seen it before. It’s a collaborative art project between inhabitants who donate space and artists who create their version of a chair. Perhaps one day tourists will flock to Besalú for its world famous chair collection:
Besalu's choice of artwork: chairs - which can be found throughout the town. This one appears to be 3-dimmensional, but is only 1-dimmensional.
Any guesses what this art work is by local artist Kel Domènech?
An ingenious solution by artist Kel Domenech to a common problem.
Why it’s a chair of course, but one that is under lock and key so that nobody can steal your favorite chair. Only you can open it up when you’re ready to use it – with a key. Genius!
The view from the backyard of our Charming Villa located in the heart of Besalu.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day in Besalú. Its proximity to other interesting destinations in Catalonia such as the winery hosting Martin Faixó wines, which are made according to centuries of family traditions, and Salvador Dali’s house, make it a great base for a slow travel adventure. I was a guest of the hard to beat view from the backyard of Mas Tallaferro, our luxury villa located just a few minutes walk from the town square. It was also the perfect setting for our Catalonian paella – in which I learned the secret to perfecting a Catalonian paella. I may just tell you…if you bribe me with caramels!
Thank you to Charming Villas for making my trip to Besalú so enjoyable.
As always, all opinions expressed are my own. This photo has been submitted as part of Travel Photo Thursday by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox and to Delicious Baby where you can see more travel photos.
Looks like a charming place. And not as touristy as some places in popular areas can be.
Sabrina recently posted..What to do in Normandy? Visiting Honfleur France
You have introduced me to a new place — now I must get to Besalú! What a great place to wander around. I would love to visit the Museum of Miniatures. I love exhibits like that.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Dressed to Impress
Pretty sure that’s me being a total nerd in the distance during our stroll through Besalú. Loved it there!
Erin recently posted..By: Richard in Spain
@Sabrina – Definitely, I think because it wasn’t touristy, it was more charming.
@Cathy – Yes and it’s not that far from Barcelona either
. I love museums like the Museum of Miniatures as well.
You had me at caramels and cappuccino but the town looks charming as well! I would love to explore Spain with my kids.
Lisa recently posted..Vigeland Park with Kids
@Lisa – You are my kind of woman! I think kids would especially love the Museum of Miniatures.
This little town looks soo cute and charming. I’d love to see it. I used to visit Spain every year and I haven’t been back in many years now!
Abby recently posted..Skiing in the desert: Las Vegas
Looks lovely! I agree with you, most Europeans cities and towns are best explored just wandering around
Zhu recently posted..The Fitness Quest
Lovely photos, I really want to go to the cafe, it looks amazing!
Claire recently posted..Calgary Zoo – Foggy and Sparky the Hippos!
I’d never heard of Besalu; a charming place.
InsideJourneys recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Falmouth’s Georgian Buildings, I
Thanks for sharing this charming and beautiful city with us. Lovely pictures! I love these little towns that aren’t swarming with tourists and allow you to explore its hidden corners.
I’ve only been to Barcelona, but it seems like there’s so much to see such a short drive north of the city.
Italian Notes recently posted..Celebrating the man who named America
Lovely pictures! That’s another place added to my list of places to see (it’s a very long list).
Paris Franz recently posted..Photo Friday: Elephants
I hadn’t heard of Besalú either until now. What a sweet find!
Sophie recently posted..Travel photo – Willemstad, Curaçao
Lovely town you found, I hope I’ll be going to Barcelona in June, I’ll try to get there too!
Angela recently posted..A trip, a photo – Heresy in Campo de’ Fiori, Rome
That train is adorable! It looks like the perfect way to explore such a charming city.
Jessica recently posted..The World’s Longest Pier
I love European towns like this where you feel like you step back in time and there aren’t many tourists. Looks like a beautiful place. That cafe sounds fantastic!
Jenna recently posted..The Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley
We’re headed to Spain this summer, and I love hearing about new places. I especially like small ancient towns, so this is right up my alley! Thanks for sharing!
Sonja recently posted..Photo Friday: Strauss in the Snow
The passageways were so medieval as you said, what a sense of history- what an interesting place.
Sue recently posted..Books for Friday (BFF)
What an interesting place. I love the narrow lanes and old stone walls. Just my kind of place.
Tom Otomcio recently posted..Good Clean Humour
What a charming village! I’ve never heard of Besalu before but would definitely be interested in visiting there someday.
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Dubai in January
This looks lovely. Great set of shots. I wouldn’t mind sitting in that cafe.
Nancie recently posted..Hanging Out at the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art — A Review
Wow its a beautiful little town! I have definitely never heard of it. The jewish bath sounds interesting, and I’m also intrigued by the museum of minatures. Maybe next time i find myself spain.
Anwar recently posted..Friday Photo: Don’t Waste Time — Brussels Underground
Really interesting post. We’ve been thinking about a trip to Spain (probably a couple years off) and I’ve been intrigued by some of the less-touristed areas. Thanks!
thetravelgal recently posted..This Blog is inTransition
Had to giggle at the train photo; no doubt a good option if you feet start to get tired…
Sam recently posted..Sioux Falls
Well, this was a good find. Looks so pretty and peaceful – and anywhere that does a good Cappuccino gets my vote! Would love to explore Spain.
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently posted..Fethiye Photo…Within A Photo
I love everyone’s enthusiasm for Besalu! It’s definitely worth spending a day here.
Looks like such a great place Laurel – especially that little cafe. I could spend a few hours drinking lattes in there. Cool artwork too.
What weird chairs. Can’t they paint oversized animal statues around town like a normal city? I saw winged rhino’s in Dortmund. Love the first picture of the bridge though, very arch-y.
Andrew recently posted..German Expat – 11 1/2 Signs This Could be You
What a glorious round up of your travels to Catalonia..and loved the pics as well. I only wish I could have been there with all of you but thanks to all of your tweets and articles, I lived vicariously for that week!
Jeff Titelius recently posted..EuroTravelogue To Embark With Viking River Cruises in Amsterdam
@Leigh – I went to the cafe twice, but could have easily spent several hours working there as well, one of the most amazing cafes I’ve ever been in.
@Jeff – Thanks so much and next time you must come! Looking forward to living vicariously through you on your upcoming adventure.
I love Spain! Looks like you had a great time there and saw some interesting things!
Ali recently posted..My 7 Super Shots From 7 Continents
I loved Besalu too. Everytime I think about the quirky chairs I smile! Great photos, Laurel! And with the iphone right?! that thing is amazing!
jade recently posted..A Perfect Afternoon with Malibu Wines
I’m a local resident of that territory. I spend some summers in my childhood in a uncle’s house just 2 steps besides the medieval bridge of Besalú.
I like very much your enthusiasm about those villages and whole Catalonia that are so familiars to me. I also thank you the accurate transcription of the names in catalan language.
Good travels
Lovely photos Laurel! I really enjoyed Besalu too and hanging out at that cute little cafe with you ladies.
cheryl recently posted..Street Art In Havana.
I’m headed to Catalonia in a few months. This sounds like one of those charming little towns I’d love to explore. I had to think long and hard what that chair was used for; such eccentricity that you would not expect from a town like this one.
Sherry recently posted..“Snowshoeing in Paradise”
Hi Laurel, I see you got caramels, did you know were they were from? Do they do them? I live near Besalú (well, at Girona, and you’ve been there too, hehehe) and I was planing to go there this weekend… mmm.
PD: It’s my first visit to you blog. You go straigh to my “visit every week” folder!
John Lirween recently posted..Ionion Hellas Toffee
@John – I got them from 10 del pont, it’s near the river and is an adorable coffee shop. They have them upstairs near the counter. I was there again 2 weeks ago and bought 3 more bags
Let me know how you like them. Thanks for your kind words, I’m happy to welcome you back every week 
.