Casa de la Vila d'Amer

Casa de la Vila d'Amer is the town hall of Amer, standing on the Plaça de la Vila — the arcaded main square at the heart of this small town in the La Selva region, province of Girona, Catalonia.

What does the square around it look like?

The building sits on the Plaça de la Vila, a quadrangular arcaded square that grew out of a medieval market. Most of the buildings framing it today — stone porticoes and townhouses wrapped around the town hall — date from the 19th century, and the ensemble is recognized as one of the most valuable architectural groups in the whole town. The square, together with its surrounding buildings, is listed as part of Catalonia's cultural heritage as an example of vernacular architecture.

How did Amer come to exist here?

The town's story goes back to the 10th century. On 9 November 949, the Bishop of Girona, Gotmar, consecrated the church of a newly founded monastery in the presence of the Counts of Barcelona, Borrell and Miró. The first settlement nucleus of Amer grew up around that monastery. The town later expanded along the old road linking Girona and Olot, which explains its compact layout centered on the market square — the same square that residents and visitors still use today.

What's worth noticing right at the town hall?

Standing on the Plaça de la Vila, take a moment to look at the stone arcades — they capture the character of a town shaped by centuries of trade and local administration better than any single building does. The Casa de la Vila itself houses the local council offices, but its main draw for visitors is its position: it's the natural starting point for exploring Amer's old quarter, close to the former monastery complex and to the narrow streets leading down toward the Brugent river that runs through town.

How do you get to Amer?

Amer sits in the La Selva region between Girona and Olot, and the easiest way in is by car — the road connecting those two cities runs right through the middle of town, following the same route as the old medieval trade path. From Girona, the drive typically takes around 30–40 minutes. It's worth allowing extra time in the area, since Amer also sits on walking and cycling routes through the Brugent valley.

When's the best time to visit?

The Plaça de la Vila is at its best in the quieter hours of mid-morning or late afternoon, when the light falls well on the stone arcades and the square isn't crowded. Spring and early autumn are good windows for pairing a stop in town with a walk on the nearby trails — summer can get hot, and traffic picks up given the proximity to the Costa Brava.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Casa de la Vila d'Amer? It's an active council building, so interior access is limited to office hours. The square and the facade itself can be viewed freely at any time of day.

Is it worth combining with other sights in Amer? Yes — the former monastery complex tied to the town's founding is nearby, and the Brugent river along with the surrounding trails make it easy to extend the visit with a walk beyond the center.

How much time should I set aside for the square and surroundings? The square and its arcades can be seen in 15–20 minutes, but a relaxed walk through Amer's old quarter and nearby streets usually takes about an hour.

Is Amer well connected to Girona? Yes, it's roughly a 30–40 minute drive from Girona, and the town lies on the way to Olot, making it a convenient stop on a longer trip through the region.