In 1977, two villages – Rupit and Pruit – were united under the official name of Rupit i Pruit.
Now, the municipality which is home to less than 300 people has been branded “the most beautiful town in the world”, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
Rupit i Pruit boasts a 1,000-year-old history and has many well-preserved buildings dating back to the 17th century.
It is also surrounded by natural beauty, located in the heart of the Collsacabra Space of Natural Interest in Catalonia, Spain.
It is located at 822 metres above sea level and is just 60 miles from the tourist hotspot of Barcelona – but it may as well be a world away in terms of visitor numbers.
The town originally grew around a castle, which, alongside the church of Sant Joan de Fabregues, was documented from the year 968.
The paved streets and stone houses take you back in time and it boasts a wooden suspension bridge which can only support 10 people at a time.
The old part of the town sits on a narrow ridge above the river and some streets climb up the hill. There are also some new houses built near the river and in a small valley behind the ridge.Some of its properties boast prices of around €1million.
Outside the village itself, there are many lush forests, caves, prehistoric tombs, waterfalls, and cliffs to enjoy.
This area spreads out across the Montdois Plain, to the left of the Ter Valley, which is famous for Aiats Plain and its surrounding sheer cliffs. The Rupit or Sallent River is a tributary of the Ter and provides the town with water, while the Torrent del Gravet also ends here.
Birds including the exotic-looking Egyptian vulture live near the cliffs, as well as eagle species.
Rupit i Pruit has a Mediterranean mountain climate, with warm to hot summers and cold winters, much colder than on the coast thanks to its altitude and distance from the sea. While frost is common on most clear nights between October and April, snow also typically falls in this period but does not stay for long.
UNTWO wrote: “In the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, Rupit is one of the jewels of Catalonia in Spain.
“The cultural and natural heritage of Rupit has a unique singularity that must be protected. Hence, it has been named as a ‘European Charming Village’. Much of its resources are recognised and protected at regional and national levels.”
Its medieval alleys and relaxed atmosphere seems a world away from the bustling streets of Barcelona, which saw almost 26 million tourists in 2023, according to Destination Barcelona.
The Catalan capital is a popular destination in Spain and its tourism sector is a key part of its economy. However, some Barcelonaians are concerned about the impact of mass tourism on the city’s identity and authentic tourist experience.
To address this, Barcelona city hall has announced plans to ban short-term tourist apartments from 2028.
This post was originally published on here
