Tossa de Mar

Used as a birthplace for inspiration by novelists and poets, a place where historical importance shines in the combination of old with new, Tossa de Mar is a Spanish medieval city commonly associated to an open air museum. Renowned for being the first place in the world to become an anti-bullfighting city going against the Catalan tradition and protecting the animals, the only fortified medieval municipality on the Catalan coast manages to attract mass tourism through its calm and serene atmosphere.

Tossa de Mar is located on the Costa Brava, in the Spanish region called Catalonia. This picturesque town which is about 103 kilometers North of Barcelona and 100 kilometers away from the French border has charmed tourists with its history, resort facilities and traditions best expressed through fishing and agriculture.

The Vila Vella and the Vila Nova

The discovery of ruins proved that the area has been inhabited ever since Neolitic times by Iberians and Romans. Two of the most appealing monuments underlining the age of Tossa de Mar are the Ancient hospital of San Miguel built in 1773 or the Roman Villa of Ametllers estimated to have been constructed between 1^st century BC and 6^th century AD. Archeologists could best observe the changes of time with the constant metamorphosis of the national historic monument here which used to be a church atop Mount Guardi in 1187, a castle during the 12^th century, a windmill at the beginning of the 19^th century turning into the present shape of a lighthouse.

Follow the narrow, cobblestone streets and let them take you to the Vila Vella, the old part of Tossa de Mar which still maintains its entire original perimeter with stone walls and cylindrical towers. Observe the Romanesque and Gothic remnants in architecture and take pictures of the site which takes you back to the 14^th century. Go souvenir shopping in the Vila Nova, the new part of the city or take a trip to the Municipal Museum which exhibits an important collection of contemporary art.

A Spanish Masterpiece

A focal point used between artists for inspiration, Tossa de Mar has three main beaches to bring you the sun, the waves and the fun along with its medieval appearance. A number of events like the Fishing Festival (June), the Castell de focs d'artifici (July) or the Festival Internacional de Musica enhance the beauty of the place and are very popular among tourists.

    No Bull-Fighting Here!    

Described as an open air museum because of its never lasting beauty, the resort for artists and the first Anti-Bullfighting City in the world, Tossa de Mar is a medieval Spanish town and a destination to take you places. Whether you want to experience the old, the new, the relaxation, the fun, the traditional, Tossa de Mar is a medieval butterfly to charm you with its numerous colors.