Banyoles dates back to the ninth century AD, and the narrow streets and plazas of the medieval town centre are well worth visiting.
In 812, Abbot Bonitus formed the Sant Esteve Monastery, which became one of the most important religious centres in the area and was under the protectorate of the Count of Besalú.
The town of Banyoles grew up around the monastery, and the townspeople built a series of ditches called “recs” to bring water from the lake. The plentiful water supply was used for irrigation and the textile industry that developed in the town. By the twelfth century, textiles from Banyoles were exported throughout Europe.
Today, Banyoles town centre still preserves elements of its historical past, including an attractive arcaded plaza, cobbled streets, medieval stone buildings and part of the medieval walls.
Life in Banyoles revolves around the Plaça Major, a picturesque square that dates back to the twelfth century. The plaza is flanked by arcaded stone buildings, most of which house bars and restaurants that set up tables on the plaza. At one side of the plaza, water still flows through one of the original medieval channels built to bring water from the lake.