One of central Catalonia's most important cities (pop. 42,000) conserves its magnificent old quarter, centred around a handsome, arcade-lined Plaça Major (main square) - one of Catalonia's finest - with its 14th-century Gothic city hall. In addition to the anicent houses both humble and stately, check out the excellent museum of mediaeval art; small Roman temple; 18th-century neoclassical Sant Pere Cathedral; the 12th-century Episcopal Palace, and a well preserved 2nd-century Roman temple (pictured here). Vic is also known for its eating (a particular local speciality being cured ham). It's about an hour from Rupit (see above), as well as Barcelona and Girona.

David Paul Appell