Pals, vila medieval
Pals is a medieval town in Catalonia with narrow streets and stone houses perched on a hillside overlooking the surrounding plain. The church, defensive towers, and city walls still form the structural core of this ancient place, with its architecture largely unchanged from medieval times.
The settlement arose in the 11th century as a fortified village and became a strategic point between the counties of Empúries and Peralada during the Middle Ages. Over centuries it declined, but rediscovery in the 20th century led to priority being given to preserving its old structure.
The town's name comes from Latin roots related to marshes, reflecting its origins in wetland terrain that shaped early settlement patterns. Today, locals and visitors navigate the narrow stone streets that preserve this medieval layout, where daily life flows through passages designed centuries ago.
The best way to explore the town is on foot through the narrow lanes, since vehicles cannot drive there and the paths are steep. Wear comfortable shoes and plan time for several breaks, as climbing the hillside and traversing the streets requires physical effort.
The village was long cut off from the modern world and fell into decay until an artist and architect rediscovered it in the 1960s and began restoring it. This deliberate rescue from total ruin made it a rare example of an authentically preserved medieval settlement.
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