LAS VOLTES AND PORT BO

 

Port Bo is separated from its neighbour, the port of Malaespina, by a long line of rocks called Roques d’en Pells, which progressively lead out into the sea with Es Còdol, its most voluminous rock, at the front.

Until the start of the 20th century, it was used as a port for coastal trade. It served as a natural port to the town of Palafrugell and had a customs house. Local products, such as coral, wheat, wine, salt and cork were shipped from here.

Fishing boats were also put into dry dock in the square, once they had become too big and had to be moved to the port in Palamós.

The square in Port Bo is the focal point of Calella and where the Cantada d’Havaneres has been celebrated for more than fifty years. On the westerly side, we can still observe the old voltes (or vaults); a covered space that formed part of the fishermen’s houses on the seafront. The space was used for fish auctions, to sew the nets and as an area where fishermen could get together for social gatherings.

On the easterly side, a second section of voltes can be found, although these ones are modern, designed by Nicolas Woevodsky (1888-1975), to give the square a traditional appearance. Building work on them began in 1951.

The square and surrounding streets of the fishermen’s quarters were declared a Cultural Good of National Interest in 1995.

 

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