Pals (Catalan pronunciation: [ˈpals]) is a medieval town in Catalonia, northern Spain, a few kilometres from the sea in the heart of the Bay of Emporda on the Costa Brava. It lies on the C31 PalafrugellL'Estartit road.[4]

Pals
Flag of Pals
Coat of arms of Pals
Pals is located in Province of Girona
Pals
Pals
Pals is located in Catalonia
Pals
Pals
Pals is located in Spain
Pals
Pals
Coordinates: 41°58′18″N 3°9′0″E / 41.97167°N 3.15000°E / 41.97167; 3.15000
Country Spain
Autonomous community Catalonia
ProvinceGirona
ComarcaBaix Empordà
Government
 • MayorSílvia Monar Aynier (2015)[1] (ERC)
Area
 • Total
25.8 km2 (10.0 sq mi)
Elevation
55 m (180 ft)
Population
 (2018)[3]
 • Total
2,461
 • Density95/km2 (250/sq mi)
DemonymPalsencs/Palsenques
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
17124
Websitepals.cat

The GR 92 long distance footpath, which roughly follows the length of the Mediterranean coast of Spain, passes through the town. Pals lies on an inland stage of the path, between Torroella de Montgrí and Begur. To the north, towards Torroella, the path passes through Palau-sator, and to the south it heads directly to Begur.[4]

Main sights

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Cobblestone street in the center of Pals

Pals has a historic centre on a hill surrounded by plains with a medieval Romanesque tower built between the 11th and 13th centuries, known as the Torre de les Hores (Tower of the Hours). A clock tower, it is 15 metres (49 ft) high.[5]

The Gothic Quarter of the town has been substantially restored and there are cobbled streets interrupted by semicircular arches, façades with pointed arched windows and stone balconies. The town wall contains four square towers which date from the 4th century. The Josep Pla viewpoint (from which can be seen the fields of Empordà and the Medes Islands), the Plaça Major, the tombs in the Carrer Major and the Romanesque church of Sant Pere are other features of the town.[6] There is an archaeology museum.

On the edge of the main town is Masos de Pals, which has a thriving urban centre and is popular as a location for holiday homes. Platja de Pals [ca] ("Pals' Beach") is also a popular holiday location.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ajuntament de Pals". Generalitat of Catalonia. Retrieved 2015-11-13.
  2. ^ "El municipi en xifres: Pals". Statistical Institute of Catalonia. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
  3. ^ Municipal Register of Spain 2018. National Statistics Institute.
  4. ^ a b Empordà Costa Brava - Nord (Map). 1:30,000. Editorial PIOLET i Consell Comarcal del Baix Empordà. March 2012.
  5. ^ "Pals". Lonely Planet. Archived from the original on 4 February 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  6. ^ Spain Green Guide Michelin 2012-2013. Michelin. 1 January 2012. p. 410. ISBN 978-2-06-718252-3.
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