Environment
L'Escala
More than 2,500 years ago, the first inhabitants of L’Escala, left behind remains in artistic and cultural works as a testimony to their presence.
L’Escala was builded in the 16th century as a small fishing port dependent on the neighbouring town of Empúries. However, in 1766 it attained the category of town and municipal capital in a period of great economic wealth, thanks to the maritime customs and excise, to L´Alfoli de la Sal (Sall Store), to fishing and wine export and salted fish.
Routes of cultural environment
Since 1960 many visitors have been captivated by our culture and traditions. L’Escala is a unique and special place due to its geographical location, and it has been a meeting point for people all over the world for centuries.
History of fishing and salting in L’Escala: Visits to the Museum after seeing an introductory audiovisual presentation, to get to know in depth the history and the salting process of anchovies, a product for which L’Escala is known all over the world.
Old Town Centre
Discover the old centre thanks to the literature of Caterina Albert: A stroll through the old centre seeing the places that inspired the great L’Escala writer, with a reading of her texts. The route shows the Family Home facade, the Church of Sant Pere, the traditional house Can Maranges, the Alfolí, the beach of the old Port, La Punta, the garden of the Clos del Pastor and the Maritime Cemetery.
Fisherman´s Route in L'Escala
History of fishing, pirates and smuggling. A boat trip to know better the history of L’Escala, the defence against the pirates from Montgó Tower and a thousand and one fishermen´s anecdotes. Some stories about smuggling, while we contemplating the geological wonders of the coast of El Montgrí with delightful names such as the Cova de les Cambres (the Chamber Cave), les Coves del Tabac i del Sabó (the Tobacco and the Soap Caves), the Déua Leap, Miladones, Papananses, Cala Ferriol and La Foradada. The boat stops so that you can swim in front of the Salt Cave.
Fisherman’s House
The everyday life of fishermen in the 18th and 19th centuries: Visits to Can Cinto Xuà Fisherman´s House which dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. This house conserves the typical structure of fishermen’s houses in this town, along with the fishing tools and everyday objects that its inhabitants used. It will take you on a trip to the past and you will be able to compare life as it was then with today.
Sant Martí d'Empúries and the coastal dune
Fixing the dunes of Empúries: A route along the forest path between L’Escala and Empúries, which was specifically opened while the dunes were being fixed at the end of the 19th century by the forestry engineers. You will know the explanation of the formation of dunes, the problems caused to the locals by their movement and the process that was followed to fix them, observing their current state and the flora and fauna found on dunes.
Watchtower and Defence Tower
The coast defence against pirates: You will get to know the history of L’Escala in the time of the pirates. A route through the municipality visiting the fortified farmhouses and the towers of El Pedró and of Montgó, explaining their use as a defence against pirates.
For information
Museu de l’Anxova i de la Sal – Avinguda Lluís Companys, 1 – Tel: (+34) 972 776 815 – www.anxova-sal.cat
Related companies
Terramar – Information and bookings: tel. (+34) 972 51 03 47 – www.terramar.org
Organisation of routes and guided tours for groups.