Castellfollit de la Roca is among the smallest municipal districts in Catalonia, but is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular. The rivers Fluvià and Toronell flow round the village situated at the top of a 50-metre high basalt rock formation stretching over one kilometre, the result of river erosion of the lava from ancient volcanic eruptions which sculpted the rock into its present shape. 

The profile of the church and the houses hanging over the cliff face offer the visitor a unique panoramic view.  Admire the crags from the roadside vantage point and then walk through the network of dark, narrow streets up in the medieval village centre. The houses are mostly constructed from volcanic rock and have a special charm of their own.

Walk along to the end of the escarpment where you will come out onto Plaça Josep Pla, a balcony with captivating vistas over the mosaic of  vegetable gardens dotted over the two river valleys and the countryside stretching out into the distance. By climbing up the square bell tower of the Church of Sant Salvador the effect is all the more impressive.

The first church on this site dated from the 13th century but only one Romanesque window and some basalt ashlars are all that remain today of the original construction. The present church was built in a late neo-classical style. It was in fact destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and has been rebuilt several times since then. The most recent restoration incorporated new materials such as glass into the original stone structure, thereby filling the interior of the building with life by allowing daylight flood into every corner. The church is now a cultural centre showing an exhibition of photographs of the surrounding area where visitors can admire beauty of the locality.

RipollèsTodaymin.5 | max.13