Castellfollit de la Roca is a small village in Catalonia, located in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Park.

The old part of Castellfollit is located on a narrow tongue of solidified lava, almost a kilometer long and 60 meters high. The balconies of the houses on the only street overlook the outside, perched above a deep chasm!

According to scientists, two eruptions laid the basaltic “foundation” of Castellfollit de la Roca: the first occurred 217,000 years ago, the second 192,000 years ago. Over thousands of years, the Fluvià and Toronell rivers eroded softer rocks around this kilometer-long “tongue,” giving the area its unique topography.

We recommend not only exploring the town but also viewing it from the opposite bank of the river. There’s a narrow asphalt path offering views of Castellfollit in all its glory.

Walking down the only street, you’ll come to the Church of San Salvador, built of volcanic stone, like the other buildings in town.

The church has long been abandoned for its original purpose – religious ceremonies were put an end to by the Red Republican government, which reduced the building to a charred ruin during the Civil War. After the war, it was decided not to restore the church and build a new one in the new part of town.

Nevertheless, in the late 1980s, the decision was made to restore the building and use it as a cultural center. The buildings have been beautifully restored, and now you can explore interesting exhibitions. For one euro, you can climb the bell tower, which offers the best views!