Olot

The capital of the Garrotxa region is a truly Catalan town which manages to be industrious and stylish, conservative at heart with a radical edge. The people of Olot have a strong sense of Catalan identity: you are unlikely to hear anyone speaking Spanish. This Catalan spirit is openly displayed at the town's two biggest festivals the Aplec de la Sardana, on the second Sunday in July, when visitors come from all over Catalonia to perform the sardana dance; and the Festa de la Tura, on 8 September, when figures of giants and hobby-horses parade through the streets.

Olot was a centre of textile production, and an art school was opened here in the 18th century. A century later, one of its pupils. Joaquim Vayreda. helped to found the Olot School of painters. The romantic scenes of rural life produced by these early Catalan impressionists were influenced by the European trends of the time, yet rooted in the Gariotxa landscape of volcanic hills.

The smart shopping streets of the old town around the Placa Major lead to the neo-classical parish church of Sant Esteve. Near here is the start of the Rambla, also named Passeig Miquel Blay. after a well-known Olot sculptor. This delightful promenade, with coffee tables beneath the trees. contains some unusual Modernist architecture. as well as the 19th century Teatre Principal. The Rambla is also the venue for Olot's lively market. which takes place on Monday mornings.