The present town is centered in the eponymous valley of Gósol, which is enclosed by the Serra del Cadí and Pedraforca, in the Pyrenees.

The ruins of the former town and castle, dating from the 11th century, overlook the Gósol from an adjacent hill.

Other settlements include Bonner, la Collada, Molí d'en Güell, Moripol, Castell de Termes, Font Terrers, and Torrent Senta.

While in Gósol, Picasso underwent a transformation of palette, sketching style, and rhythm of composition[citation needed].

Picasso found his subjects in local livestock and people of Gósol, as well as Fernande Olivier, his partner.