Aiguamolls de l'Empordà are an exceptional natural wetlands located in Castelló d'Empúries, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain.

These wetlands formerly occupied almost the entire Gulf of Roses, from the end of the Muga and Fluviá rivers, in the Alt Empordà, to the Ter and Daró rivers, in Baix Empordà. However, the expansion of agriculture, building irrigation channels and lagoons in the interior, have eroded over the centuries the area occupied by the wetland.

The park can be visited throughout the year and is well connected by walking trails in good condition, so that both adults and children will enjoy the visit. The wealth of botanical and ornithological park is impressive (you’ll find over 300 species of birds including the white stork-necked duck and the green one).

To the right you can see the ancient silos where rice was stored. Background, the Pyrenees mountains

From the landscape point of view the park meets the elements typical Empordà: flooded fields (suitable for rice cultivation), channels, sandy beaches and small lagoons.

For bird lovers we recommend the use of binoculars. The park also find different varieties of waterfowl and not waterfowl birds such as black ibis, cormorants, blackbirds, etc.

White stork nest in Aiguamolls de l'Empordà

Along the path, which is recommended not to leave to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem, we find various viewpoints, small wooden huts within which we can observe, camouflaged, and photograph the activities of the birds, without being visible to them.

So we encourage all Costa Brava visitors to make a first visit to this wonderful Natural Park. Do not forget to pass, at the entrance, through the reception office, called the Cortalet, where you’ll be provided by a map with the routes to go inside the park and some tips to make the best use your time in this wonderful natural place of the Costa Brava.

Basilica of Santa Maria facade, in Castelló d'Empúries

The Basilica is a prime example of how important was the Gothic architecture in Catalonia. The church was first built in the XIIIth century, in 1261, on King Ponç IV d’Empúries years. However, this construction was build on a Romanesque church built in 1007, more than two centuries before. The baptismal font shown inside has its origin in those beginning years.

Interior nave of Basilique of Santa Maria of Empuries, also known as "Costa Brava Cathedral"

The basilica was completed in early XVth century, when was finished one of its greatest artistic works: the facade adorned with a stone portal and with six archivolts. On each side of them Apostles are represented with a large profusion of detail. The central tympanum represents the Adoration of the Magi.

The central facade represents the adoration of the Magi

The basilica structure is formed by a central open plan, with two aisles. It also has a 12th bell tower, five floors high and 36 meters: it was designed under Romanesque inspiration and has a clear architectural composition of Lombard influence.

Bell tower of Basilique of Santa Maria, in Castelló d'Empúries, Girona, Costa Brava

If the building from the outside is already an architectural and sculptural jewel, the interior of the basilica is still more impressive. It has two 11th baptismal fonts, made from a single block of stone and two sarcophagi with county Empúries family (Ponce IV of Empúries and Pedro IV of Ribagorza).

Royal grave of Basilique of Santa Maria

Another of the masterworks that has the Cathedral of the Ampurdán is a beautiful alabaster altarpiece built in the mid 15th century, in a flamboyant Gothic Renaissance style. With a height of 6.5 meters, at the bottom you’ll find a relief of ten angels next to the symbols for those organizations which once paid the altar: the shield of Castelló de Empúries, the bread of charity, etc.) In the upper part are represented scenes from the Passion of Jesus and, above all, there is a soft sculpture of the Candelaria Virgin holding the holy Child in her arms. The level of detail and realism, for example in the folds of the clothing, is very high, and shows the dedication of the artists in the execution of the work.

Basilique of Santa Maria altarpiece

Other masterworks of interest are the organ of the 19th century and the museum known as the Treasury, which contains, among other gems, an image of the Inmaculada Virgin made in embossed silver in Plateresque style, from the XVIIth century.

Detail of the altarpiece

The Basilica of Santa Maria de Castelló is an architectural work of reference in the Catalan Gothic, and is one of the main artistic attractions of the Costa Brava.