Peralada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peralada
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Municipality
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Country | Spain | ||
Region | Catalonia | ||
Province | Girona | ||
Comarca | Alt Empordà | ||
Area | |||
• Total | 43.6 km2 (16.8 sq mi) | ||
Elevation | 100 m (300 ft) | ||
Population
(2018)
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• Total | 1,868 | ||
• Density | 42.84/km2 (110.97/sq mi) | ||
Demonym(s) | Peraladenc |
Peralada is a charming village located in the province of Girona, within the region of Catalonia, Spain. It's a place with a long history, once home to powerful leaders known as the Frankish Counts of Peralada. These counts controlled this part of Spain, which was then called the Marca Hispanica, before it became part of the lands ruled by the Count of Barcelona.
The village is situated about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) west of Figueres and 13.6 kilometers (8.5 miles) southeast of Roses. A main road, the N-260, runs to the south, connecting Figueres with Portbou and the border with France.
The people of Peralada mostly earn their living through tourism, making wine, and dairy farming. It's a lively place, especially during the summer.
Since 1987, Peralada has hosted a famous music event called the Festival Internacional de Música "Castell de Peralada". This festival focuses on beautiful singing performances and operas, attracting visitors from all over.
Contents
Exploring Peralada's Historic Sights
Peralada is full of interesting old buildings and places to visit. Many of these show the rich history of the village.
The Grand Peralada Castle
The most famous landmark is Peralada Castle. It was rebuilt and updated in the 19th century, giving it a fancy French style. The castle is now a popular spot for events, including the music festival.
St. Martin's Parish Church
The Parish Church of St. Martin was built in the 18th century. However, its tall bell tower is much older, dating back to medieval times. It's a great example of how old and new architecture can stand together.
The Ancient Convent of St. Dominic
The Convent of St. Dominic dates back to the 11th century. Inside its church, you can see amazing stone carvings called capitals. These carvings show scenes from the Bible, beautiful flowers, and interesting geometric patterns.
Church of Santa Eulàlia
The Church of Santa Eulàlia was built in the 15th century. It's another important historical building in Peralada, showing the architectural styles of that period.
Convent del Carme and its Gothic Cloister
The Convent del Carme was founded in 1293. It features a stunning Gothic cloister, which is a covered walkway around a courtyard. This part of the convent was built in the 14th century and is a peaceful place to explore.
Celler Peralada: A Famous Winery
Celler Peralada is a well-known winery in the village. It's where the famous Peralada wines are made, contributing to the local economy and traditions. You can learn about winemaking and even taste some of the local products.