Castellfollit

Castellfollit de la Roca, commonly referred to simply as Castellfollit, is a small municipality in the province of Girona, within the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the Garrotxa comarca and is renowned for its dramatic location atop a basalt cliff above the Fluvià River.

Geography and geology: The town sits on a basaltic outcrop formed by ancient lava flows from the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. The cliff rises several tens of meters above the river, creating a distinctive narrow settlement that clings to the rock. The surrounding landscape features the volcanic-hydrological scenery characteristic of Garrotxa, including valleys carved by the river and nearby forests and farmland.

History and urban fabric: Castellfollit de la Roca developed in the Middle Ages around the cliff edge, resulting in a compact, linear townscape. Its streets are narrow and lined with traditional stone houses, many of which retain medieval or early modern architectural elements. The historic core remains the focal point of the municipality, with religious and civic structures reflecting its long-standing settlement.

Demographics and economy: The municipality is small, with a population in the low thousands, and a local economy that blends tourism, agriculture, and small services. Tourism is drawn by the striking clifftop setting, scenic viewpoints, and interest in Catalonia’s volcanic and medieval heritage.

Sights and significance: The cliff-edge town offers scenic viewpoints over the Fluvià gorge and serves as a representative example of how natural geology shapes urban settlement. Castellfollit de la Roca is frequently cited as one of the emblematic landscapes of the Garrotxa region.