Creu de la Mà – Caldes de Malavella

The Camí Ral (Royal Road) from Barcelona to France was one of the main thoroughfares in Catalonia until the 19th century. These paths were the most important public by-ways before the existence of roads, and they saw a great deal of activity, with the passing of horses, stagecoaches, sprung carts, bandits and so on. At this point, where what is known as the Creu de la Mà (Cross of the Hand) stands, there is a well-conserved section of the royal road from medieval and modern times. What has not been found, however, is physical evidence of the Roman Via Augusta, although it is highly likely that it had passed through here.

In fact, it is at this point where the routes to the sea and mountains split off from the Camí Ral, in one of the most frightening areas in the heart of La Selva, near the Hostal de la Thiona, the realm of kidnappers, assailants and murderers, who took advantage of this desolate wooded area, which since the 16th century had been known as “the most dangerous forest in the country”.

KEY INFORMATION

Caldes de Malavella

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