Garrotxa: Olot

Olot, the capital of the greater Garrotxa area, is a natural base for us to explore the area. It's in the middle of Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Ancient volcanoes and lava flows can be seen all over the place. John is particularly fascinated with lava flows that result in basalt columns. Olot is laid back and non-touristy. The highlight of the Old Town is the Modernismo buildings.

We passed through Castellfollit de la Roca on the short 45-minute bus ride from Besalu to Olot. Awesome! We'll definitely be back tomorrow to check out those basalt columns that seem to hold up the town.

Our apartment-hotel was located just outside the Old Town in a former industrial area, now mostly apartment blocks.

We came to hike the Volcanic Park. Many trails go right through town.

Hunting down Olot's Modernismo buildings was fun. First, Casa Pujador with its distinctive tower.


Second, Casa Gassiot.

Old town view.

The City Museum was open with a fashion show about to start in the courtyard. The Gigantes are housed here as well.

Public art.

Església de Sant Esteve was built in the last half of the 19th-century and has an unimaginative interior.

Can Trincheria is a house museum, built in the 18th-century, worth a visit. Especially cool was the "bench" around the kitchen fire, and the monster Nativity scene.

More Modernismo architecture along Passeig de l'Escultor Miquel Blay. The highlights are Casa Solà Morales and a sculpture by Miguel Blay "The Reading".