In addition to its volcanoes and fairytale landscapes, Olot is a city also brimming with history. We propose a route that traces the city’s past via some of its most exceptional monuments.

Unfortunately, some of what would now be Olot’s most historical buildings were destroyed by earthquakes in the 15th century. The form and shape of the old town, however, still strongly retains the medieval essence of the city. In the historic centre, one still gets a strong sense of its former small-town life. One attraction not to be missed is the Mare del Déu del Tura sanctuary, in the heart of the old town. Destroyed by fire in 1936 and rebuilt four years later, it originally dates back to an undetermined time before the year 872. Inside you’ll find a polychrome image of Olot’s patron saint: Our Lady of Tura.

You can continue your journey through time by making your way to the Passeig de Miquel Blay. If you need to ask for directions, the locals know it as the “Passeig d’en Blay” or the “Passeig Firal”. It was first built in the 16th century to host the annual cattle fair, and almost three centuries later it was transformed into the magnificent tree-lined avenue you see today. Reminiscent of Barcelona’s Ramblas or the boulevards of French cities, the central avenue is flanked by buildings abounding with history, which are predominantly built in the Noucentist and Modernista (Catalan Modernism) styles.

Another way of discovering how present-day Olot was shaped is to explore its monuments and sculptures. There is no set route for visiting these creations that can acquaint you with the city’s history. However, a selection of some of the most notable works include: the Maternidad (Maternity) sculpture by Josep Clarà i Ayats, located in the gardens of la Plaça Clara and unveiled in 1953. On Mother’s Day it is customary to place flowers there.

Moving on from nursing mothers to the children themselves, tucked away in a discreet corner of Carrer Sant Tomàs, you’ll come across a slender child with their hands behind their back, gazing upwards, utterly engrossed in the sky. This is the work of the Olot-born artist Anna Manel·la, and bears the name Sense Lluna (Without Moon) (1993).

Just like on Easter Island, Olot also boasts its own moai. The local version was unveiled in 1982 and is the work of the sculptor Manuel Tuki. It is, unsurprisingly, located in la Plaça de l’Illa de Pasqua (Easter Island Square).

Among the many large sculptures that bring character to the parks, squares and streets of Olot is the gigantesque Marc (1995) by Lluís Hortalà, a huge frame of mammoth dimensions that captures the landscape on the outskirts of la Moixina, and which was the subject of much divided opinion.

On the Camí Teuleria you’ll also find another large work - Als Vençuts (The Vanquished) by Claudia Casanovas. It is an evocation of those defeated in the Civil War, unveiled in 2006.

In la Plaça de Santa Magdalena, not far from the chapel that bears the same name, is Domènec Fita’s unique work Vitris, a column composed of metal armature and stained glass. It boasts the distinctive feature of lighting up at night, like a lighthouse in the midst of the city.