It ai the capital of the Alt Emporda, having become the seat of the Counts of Empuiries in the 11th Century.
The medieval town of Castello d' Empuires is midway between Figueres and Roses and 4 km from the Gulf of Roses.
Dominating the town, and visible from the surrounding flat countryside, is the church of Santa Maria (known as 'The Cathedral'). The large square bell tower comes from an older roman building and a second smaller tower remains unfinished. The main part of the building, which is one of the few Gothic churches located in a rural area, was constructed in the mid-13th Century, on the site of an old Romanesque church.
Inside,
the Gothic screen has an image of the Virgin of Candlemas (The patron
saint of Castello d' Empuries). The baroque altar of the Chapel of Our
Lady of Sorrows, the double Romanesque font, the Sacristy Museum
(displaying valuable Religious works in Gold and Silver) and the
enormous baroque organ are all also of great interest. The organ, which
which dates from the 18th Century is by Jean Pierre Cavaillé and
has 59 registers, distributed on 4 manuals. It was partially destroyed
during the Spanish civil war, but since 1970 the organ has been
renovated.
Other
places of interest in the town include The Exchange House, The Sant
Dominec monastry, the Santa Clara convent, the Washhouse and the silk
museum. Castello d'Empuries is a labyrinth of narrow streets and
squares, with several Catalan bars and excellent restaurants.The medieval celebrations, the Terra de Troubadours, is celebrated on 11 September and the following weekend. a full programme is offered during the celebration throughout the town, including knight plays, medieval scenes, minstrel songs, old handicraft arts, doll players, and medieval feasts. Should one wish to make purchases, it is necessary to change euro into groats at the Exchange. The coinage changes each year, so do not leave money for next time - it will not be valid!
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