Have you already had the opportunity to see "Eight Catalan surnames"? The second part of "Eight Basque surnames" has been a leader at the box office since its premiere. In fact, the comedy has exceeded three million spectacular, remaining among the 15 most viewed films on the planet. And not only that! It is also the highest grossing Spanish film in 2015!
With all these data, it is not surprising that some of the places in the film have gained popularity in terms of tourism, as happened with the previous film. One of them has been Monells , the beautiful medieval town that appears in the film directed by Emilio Martínez-Lázaro and starring Clara Lago, Dani Rovira, Berto Romero and Rosa María Sardà, among others. Would you like to discover more details about this beautiful Catalan corner? Well, very attentive to what we tell you below!
Location
Despite being one of the most beautiful towns in Catalonia, Monells was a great unknown to many until “Eight Catalan surnames” was released. Now, everything indicates that it will become one of the most visited towns in the autonomous community. Located in Girona , this Catalan municipality, it is located in the Baix Empurdà region and since 1974 it has been part of the union of Cruilles, Monells and San Sadurní municipalities.
Evolution through the centuries
As they tell from the official website of Monells, the set of squares and streets of the town is an example of the evolution of popular architecture through its different historical stages. Thus, while from Romanesque times some parts of the walls and towers that surrounded the town and the castle are preserved; In the Gothic style we can find Plaça de l’Oli, Carrer del Arcs and some large windows. Later, during the 17th and 18th centuries, houses were erected on the fortification walls and the interior spaces were rearranged, creating two lines of streets. Today data referring to these years can be seen on the façade of many of the houses.
What to visit
Monells, which represents the essence of the Empordà town, is a monument in itself, so strolling through its streets and squares is already a real joy. How could it be otherwise, there are many corners that are worth visiting, both in Monells, Cruilles and San Sadurní. Among them, we highlight the historic center of Monells, made up of different streets and squares that today continue to evoke its medieval past. Special mention deserves the church of San Genís, patron saint of the town, which is documented at the beginning of the 11th century. The temple preserves Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque vestiges. Also, you should know that it is possible to do some hiking trails in the area.
Accommodations
If you want to enjoy this town to the fullest, you can spend the night in one of its four hotels. They are El Palauet de Monells, a restored manor house that has 6 beautiful rooms; Mas Vilà, a farmhouse that offers different accommodation options; the Hotel Arcs, which is located in one of the most emblematic buildings of the place, an old hospital dating from 1364; and the Fonda La Pepa Maca, a hotel housed in a restored 15th-century building. Then we leave you with our gallery , where you will find a lot of images of this beautiful Catalan town. Do not miss it!
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