Girona · Cataluña
Vulpellac
- Province
- Girona
- Status
- Conjunto Histórico
- Population
- 300
- Elevation
- 95 m
Vulpellac is a heritage town in the province of Girona, Cataluña, Spain. It is designated a Conjunto Histórico (Spain's national heritage designation for historic ensembles). Population 300 (2025), elevation 95m.
A small Girona village where a medieval castle-palace, fragments of ancient walls, and early Christian graves speak to more than a thousand years of continuous history.
Key facts
- Province
- Girona
- Heritage status
- Conjunto Histórico
- Population
- 300 (2025)
- Elevation
- 95 m
History of Vulpellac
Vulpellac appears in records as early as 894. Through the medieval period, rights over the settlement were shared between the counts of Empúries, the Bishop of Girona, and the priory of Sant Miquel de Cruïlles. By 1358 the Sarriera family had become lords of the town, and they rose to particular prominence during the Catalan civil war against Joan II.
In the 15th and especially the 16th century, they rebuilt the castle as a grand palace. The population followed the general pattern of the region until the early 20th century, when it began to decline, before recovering later with industrial growth centred on La Bisbal.
Heritage & Monuments
The original fortified enclosure that once ringed the village was substantially altered during the 15th and 16th century works on the castle-palace, but enough survives to trace most of its outline. A section of wall marking the south-east corner stands just metres from the church's apse and south wall. About 30 metres from the palace façade, a roughly 20-metre stretch of the western wall remains standing. At the north-west corner, a circular tower survives to around 8 metres in height, wedged between houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Some 50 metres north of the palace stands a square gate-tower that likely formed the north-east corner of the enclosure; it is dated to the 13th or 14th century, a date that probably applies to the whole fortified perimeter.
During construction and excavation work in the area between the church's south wall and the fortifications, and beneath both the church and the castle-palace itself, a large number of graves came to light. They date from the 7th to the 10th century and fall into two types: simple slabs set vertically, and the so-called anthropomorphic form. The village also retains several substantial old houses with notable architectural details, dateable to the 15th through 17th centuries.
Where to eat in Vulpellac
Ratings & restaurant data from Google.
Regional food & drink
Cataluña is known for Pa amb tomàquet, Escalivada and Calçots, among 6 regional specialities.
Watch: Cava
Location
Quick answers
Is Vulpellac worth visiting?▾
A small Girona village where a medieval castle-palace, fragments of ancient walls, and early Christian graves speak to more than a thousand years of continuous history.
Why is Vulpellac a heritage town?▾
Vulpellac is officially designated a Conjunto Histórico, Spain's national heritage designation for historic ensembles.
What is the traditional food in Cataluña?▾
Cataluña is known for Pa amb tomàquet, Escalivada, Calçots and Botifarra. You'll find these regional specialities in and around Vulpellac.
What is there to see in Vulpellac?▾
The original fortified enclosure that once ringed the village was substantially altered during the 15th and 16th century works on the castle-palace, but enough survives to trace most of its outline. A section of wall marking the south-east corner stands just metres from the church's apse and south wall.
What is the history of Vulpellac?▾
Vulpellac appears in records as early as 894. Through the medieval period, rights over the settlement were shared between the counts of Empúries, the Bishop of Girona, and the priory of Sant Miquel de Cruïlles.
Which heritage towns are near Vulpellac?▾
Nearby heritage towns include Peratallada, Monells, Pals and Calella de Palafrugell.
Part of Forallac
Vulpellac is one of 2 designated heritage sites in the municipality of Forallac.
See all 2 sites in Forallac →Nearby heritage towns
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Visiting from a nearby city?
Vulpellac makes a great day trip from:
Last updated 30 August 2026.