Located at the foot of Comanegra, the highest peak in La Garrotxa at 1,558 metres above sea level, the Monars Ponds are part of one of the most distinctive and open mountain landscapes in Alta Garrotxa. This group of man-made ponds lies close to the border with Vallespir, in an area characterised by grazing meadows, sweeping views and a long-standing pastoral tradition.
Built to provide water for livestock, the ponds have become an essential element in sustaining the grazing activity that has shaped this part of Alta Garrotxa for centuries. Without these water sources, it would be difficult to maintain the open grasslands that define the landscape of Monars and the slopes of Comanegra, a mosaic of meadows and woodland that supports a rich biodiversity.
Beyond their practical function, the Monars Ponds have become one of the most iconic landmarks of the Garrotxa mountains. The combination of ethnological heritage linked to extensive livestock farming, the proximity of the historic settlement of Monars and the spectacular views over Alta Garrotxa and Vallespir make this site a must-see destination for hikers and mountain enthusiasts.
Today, the ponds stand as a living testimony to the historical relationship between human communities and the natural environment, illustrating how traditional rural infrastructures have helped shape and preserve the landscape we see today.
