Protected Natural Area
Cassà, gateway to Gavarres massif
The Gavarres massif, mountains whose smooth, rounded forms Josep Pla defined as "elephant-like", represents a landscape that extends over twenty municipalities and forms a large arch between the counties of Baix Empordà and Gironès.
The mountains are very old and have a very gentle relief, worn down by torrents and streams, plus a great diversity of environments that offer refuge to numerous plant and animal species. The most typical habitat is undoubtedly that of the cork forests, humanised ecosystems dominated by cork oaks but also containing holm oaks, pines, other oaks and brambles, very characteristic of these regions. In fact, the cork industry has largely shaped the entire surface of the massif, as well as the life, economy and traditions of the populations that are part of it.
The mountains are very old and have a very gentle relief, worn down by torrents and streams, plus a great diversity of environments that offer refuge to numerous plant and animal species. The most typical habitat is undoubtedly that of the cork forests, humanised ecosystems dominated by cork oaks but also containing holm oaks, pines, other oaks and brambles, very characteristic of these regions. In fact, the cork industry has largely shaped the entire surface of the massif, as well as the life, economy and traditions of the populations that are part of it.
Because of its location, Cassà de la Selva is a magnificent gateway to this protected natural space, which has been classified as an Area of Natural Interest since 1992. Numerous footpaths and trails start from the village and enter Les Gavarres, forming a network of itineraries that will allow you to discover the rich natural and cultural heritage hidden within.
This cultural heritage is rich and diverse. Among the most important archaeological remains of the Gavarres are several prehistoric funerary monuments, some of which are within the municipal area of Cassà. We also find Iberian villages such as Puig del Castell, within the limits of Cassà, several castles, farmhouses and medieval mills. The religious heritage includes remains of pre-Romanesque prayer sites, chapels, churches and monasteries. The massif is also of great ethnological interest, as evidenced by the abundant terraces, ice wells, farmhouses, brick kilns, mills, paths or springs that can be found there.
Finally, and within the municipal area of Cassà de la Selva, there is the public estate of Can Vilallonga. This property, managed by Consortium of the Gavarres, is an example of the sustainable management of space. Located in the middle of the Gavarres, you can discover traditional activities linked to agriculture, cattle raising and forestry, as well as a rich heritage linked to water management, which includes several modern aqueducts.
This cultural heritage is rich and diverse. Among the most important archaeological remains of the Gavarres are several prehistoric funerary monuments, some of which are within the municipal area of Cassà. We also find Iberian villages such as Puig del Castell, within the limits of Cassà, several castles, farmhouses and medieval mills. The religious heritage includes remains of pre-Romanesque prayer sites, chapels, churches and monasteries. The massif is also of great ethnological interest, as evidenced by the abundant terraces, ice wells, farmhouses, brick kilns, mills, paths or springs that can be found there.
Finally, and within the municipal area of Cassà de la Selva, there is the public estate of Can Vilallonga. This property, managed by Consortium of the Gavarres, is an example of the sustainable management of space. Located in the middle of the Gavarres, you can discover traditional activities linked to agriculture, cattle raising and forestry, as well as a rich heritage linked to water management, which includes several modern aqueducts.
History
Cassà has been a land of musicians for more than a hundred years. It has become a point of reference for concerts and cultural activities linked to traditional and modern music.
Cork town
Cassà is a town marked by the manufacture of cork, an element that has shaped the landscape, the economy and the traditions of the town and the entire territory.
Land of musicians
Cassà has been a land of musicians for more than a hundred years. It has become a point of reference for concerts and cultural activities linked to traditional and modern music
