Ripollès

Ripollès is a comarca in the province of Girona, within the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain. It is located in the northern part of Catalonia, in the Pyrenees, and its capital is the town of Ripoll. The comarca is characterized by rugged mountain terrain, deep valleys, and extensive forest cover, with a climate typical of high-altitude, seasonal regions. It comprises several towns and villages, including Ripoll, Camprodon, and Sant Joan de les Abadesses.

The history of Ripollès is closely linked to medieval Catalonia. The Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll, founded in the 9th century, was an important cultural and religious center and played a notable role in the early development of the Catalan counties. The region preserves Romanesque and medieval heritage, and local traditions are expressed through the Catalan language and regional festivities.

Economically, the comarca has traditionally relied on agriculture, livestock and forestry. In recent decades, tourism, rural services and small-scale manufacturing have become important activities, with visitors drawn to hiking, winter sports in the mountains, and historical towns.

Administratively, Ripollès is one of the comarques of Girona province, with regional government coordinating services for its municipalities. The population is dispersed across small towns and villages, with higher concentrations around Ripoll and a few larger centers.