An Incredible Force 1000 Years Ago Led to the Discovery of This Place
One wrong step could cost the whole village to fall from a cliff
The idea of discovery and invention is thought-provoking. Our curiosity awakens to decipher the meaning behind such stories, and we patiently wait for our inquisitiveness to get answered.
For instance, the sudden Covid-19 outbreak was unexpected. It was beyond our imagination that something of this sort could throw humankind into troubled waters. Right now, we curiously await the invention of vaccinations that can bring back life and save human beings from the malignant outbreak.
Likewise, any discovery or invention depends on a wide range of subjects. It can be in science, ecology, arts, history, the universe, and more. Discovery is all about finding out and establishing the theory behind such evolutions.
The village of Castellfollit de la Roca in Spain is a historic discovery. The most amusing part of this site is its location, situated on a narrow volcanic slope. The area stretches almost a kilometer and rises to a height of fifty meters. Here, the slightest displacement of rocks carries the probability of making the whole place collapse.
This ancient village is of medieval origin and was discovered as a consequence of volcanic eruptions. It was formed because of the overlaying of the double lava flows which were thousands of years old. After the volcanic activity, the lava flows got solidified, which eventually got converted into a hard rock known as basalt. One of the town's essential features is its basalt quarry which remains the single most active in Spain.
The town has been inhabited by villagers for thousands of years. Their houses are made of volcanic stones and basaltic rocks that elevate the houses' beauty and make them stand tall amidst nature. One of the interesting facts about this place is that the houses are situated barely two homes apart, thus standing immensely close to the cliff’s edge. This historic place amazes people like a cliffhanger where the identity is entirely established as a result of natural forces.
By walking along its narrow lanes, one can embrace the town's mesmerizing beauty, the spectacular views in its layered peaks, and the rivers Fluvià and Toronell surrounding it from both sides. The town is situated inside the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa Natural Park in Catalonia. This natural park encompasses the surroundings with lush green forests, perennial streams, and beautiful fountains.
With an eye captivating scenery, the town's streets lead to the ancient church of San Salvador built in the thirteenth century. It is designed in a Renaissance style and stands at one of the ends of the cliff. With a square bell-shaped tower, the church's allure attracts the eye, thereby making it a space for a cultural center where exhibitions are scheduled.
After passing through the church, we come across Josep Pla square-viewpoint situated at the town's end. The sight provides good panoramic views of the place, the town's strategic conditions, and its natural ability to defend against disasters. The town also leads to the Cold Cut Museum, where exhibitions are held regularly on topics like the history of meat preservation, the ancient tools used in preparing meat, age-old photographs, and more.
Far from the town, we can find a beautiful clock tower located in Sant Roc Square. A ruler built the tower for La Garrotxa in exchange for a promise from his citizens. He asked his people to shower votes upon him to emerge as a victorious ruler of the community. The moment he won, the tower was built.
Besides all of these colossal places of interest, the town also has orchard lanes, pedestrian routes, individual canals, and natural parks, adding to its unending scenic landscape. The life in Castellfollit de la Roca brims in the sphere of uncertainty yet people carry on with their livelihood high spirited.
The history, location, and discovery of this town bring forward a fascination on how the universal laws operate on whoever visits it. Some things can be explained by science, and mostly we curiously admire the evolutions arising from the abyss. Still, what better example of these natural and curiosity-inducing marvels than the town of Castellfollit de la Roca which stands strong as nature’s gift.
In the words of German Physicist Max Plank:
“All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force. We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent mind. This mind is the matrix of all matter.”
