The best hikes from bus stations around Osona

The Dolmen de Puigsespedres is a megalith of the covered gallery or passage tomb type from the Neolithic/Copper Age (around the 2nd millennium BC), also located in the municipality of **L'Esquirol** (Osona). ### Characteristics and history * **Archaeological structure:** It consists of an elongated burial chamber formed by several vertical slabs (*orthostats*) covered by large flat stone blocks. It preserves part of the entrance corridor and remains of the original tumulus that surrounded it. * **Location:** It is located on a small, flat promontory or hill surrounded by cultivated fields, very close to the center of L'Esquirol and accessible on foot via a short walk or by bicycle from the village. * **Heritage interest:** It is one of the most representative megalithic sites in the Osona region and is part of the historical and cultural routes that run through Collsacabra.

El Puente de la Gorga (or *Pont de las Gorgues*) is a bridge of medieval origin located in the municipality of **L'Esquirol** (Osona), over the Riera de las Gorgues. ### Surroundings and characteristics * **Access and connection:** It is located very close to the urban center of L'Esquirol and the church of Santa Maria del Corcó. It is part of the old cart track or route that connected the town with the Riera de las Gorgues sector. * **Landscape and hiking:** It crosses over the stream, creating a picturesque pool (*gorga*). It is a usual stopping point for hiking and MTB routes heading towards the Gorgues valley or the area of Cantonagròs and Foradada.

The Parish Church of Santa María de Corcó (also known as the parish church of Santa Maria del Corcó) is the main temple of the municipality of **L'Esquirol** (historically known as Santa Maria de Corcó), located in the region of Osona (Barcelona). ### Characteristics and history * **Baroque origin:** The current building mainly dates from the 17th and 18th centuries, although it replaced a previous medieval temple. * **Reconstruction:** It was largely destroyed during the Civil War and was subsequently rebuilt, retaining its monumental structure dominating the town center. * **Strategic location:** It is located next to the Passeig de les Gorgues and the Sant Bartomeu stream area, a usual starting point for routes towards La Foradada de Cantonagròs and the Collsacabra area.

It is the ideal place to park the vehicle and start the route.

Cruza la riera de les Gorgues por este puente medieval, integrado en el antiguo camí ral entre Olot y Vic, por donde el tránsito ha pasado durante siglos. El puente se encuentra al final del carrer del Pont, una de las calles más características de l’Esquirol, marcada por su fuerte pendiente.

Hape Kerkeling, a well-known entertainer in the German-speaking world, wrote down some thoughts about a mystical experience (encounter with God) while traveling through Spain, which I would also like to offer to the viewer of this small sacred monument on the Matagalls: "To encounter God, one must first extend an invitation to him, for he will not come uninvited. It is also a form of good manners. We have free choice. He builds an individual relationship with each person. Only someone who truly loves is capable of this." (Hape Kerkeling in "Ich bin dann mal weg")

A must-visit is the small medieval village of Rupit, dating back to the 15th century! Every little alley, every side path is worth exploring... some of the steps were even naturally formed by lava. I've never seen anything so impressive before. The entire village is a listed monument.

Parking is difficult in the area after 10:00. The area is beautiful and has great views. You can take a practically flat route (Collformic to the ruins of El Café, but it's not circular), a more challenging one like Matagalls. And many more!