Palafrugell

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Location of Palafrugell

Palafrugell is a municipality in the Mediterranean Costa Brava, located near Palamós in the comarca of Baix Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. With 19.635 inhabitants it is the largest city of its comarca. Three coastal towns (Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell, and Tamariu) belong to this city.

The combination of good summer climate and beautiful beaches was exploited for both domestic and international tourism. Tourists come from a whole range of countries, especially the Netherlands, England, France, and more recently, America. It also serves as a summer holidays town to residents of cities such as Barcelona and Girona.

In late 2005 it became known as the suspected hideout of Nazi war criminal Aribert Heim.

This medieval town was once fortified but is no longer. Many narrow streets eminate from Plaça Nova -a large square with bars, restaurants and boutiques. The local government (Ajuntament) sponsors activities such as concerts and dances including the traditional sardana. St. Martí's church was built in the late 11th century and is close to Plaça Nova.

There is a new bus station beloning to Grup SARBUS whose local division is known as Sarfa. The station has a regular bus service, servicing the Costa Brava region (including Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell, and Tamariu) as well as Barcelona.

Palafrugell was reputed for its cork manufacturing in the 18th and 19th centuries. The largest factory was owned by the american company Armstrong and employed hundreds of locals. Its closing in the 1970's led to a severe unemployment situation. The factory's tower still stands. There is now a small museum commemorating the cork industry just below it.