Part of the magic of Girona Spain is how the colours change when the weather turns sour or the sun sets. Its pastels change hue with less impact and become even more subtle. It may feel odd that such a colourful city should photograph well in black and white yet it does. Cobble streets adds texture and geometry. A lovely city in the baking sun, refreshing rain, mid-day or sunset. Although it really comes alive with noise and bustle at dusk.
The Garrotxa region in the heartland of Catalonia has this walk around a volcano in Spain. There are many dormant volcanoes, but apart from the land relief, there are no volcanic tell-tales. It is so green and lush in vegetation with an interesting beech forrest that has thrived on the lava outflows and fertile soil.
This is another medieval village located 100km north of Barcelona and lies 800m up on hills in Catalonia, Spain. You can visit 12th Century churches, old buildings as well as carefully arranged fields which hint to its working life. Nowadays its charm attracts many visitors. Usually I shoot in colour, but for a change here is Rupit photographed in black and white.
Castellfollit de la Roca exists from its peculiar geological spit of land with sheer cliff edges. The village sits on a basalt crag 50m high above the valley floor and 1km long. The crag was formed from a lava flow in this volcanic region and the surrounding land was eroded from the two nearby rivers Fluvia and Turonell. Like Besalú, the streets are dark and narrow, but ooze charm.
The medieval town of Besalú sits north of Girona. You approach over a grand romanesque bridge with huge doorways over the river Fluvia. It is a 12th century fortress with a strong jewish history. Side streets are very small and bend sharply unfriendly to motor vehicles and great to stroll through.
In Spain’s north-east Banyoles is the capital of the county Pla de l’Estany. The lake of Banyoles was formed from a volcanic depression with a beautiful blue tone. Its crystal clear waters was the centre for rowing competitions in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
