Bigues I Riells combines natural attractions with clearly distinct cultural and festival themes. Part of the Cingles de Bertí natural area lies within the municipality; the church of Sant Pere i Sant Pau de Bigues was consecrated in 1156, and the Castell de Montbui and Ermita de Sant Mateu de Montbui complex was designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest in 1949. There is also a riverside path, waterfalls, and events celebrating crafts, animals and olive oil. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on: nature, history or a particular event date.
Nature, water and outdoor activities
10.2 percent of the municipality of Bigues I Riells lies within the Cingles de Bertí natural area, equivalent to about 285.2 hectares. This protected area offers lush, refreshing vegetation, as well as opportunities for pleasant walks and outdoor activities. If you would like to spend time outdoors during your stay, these themes can help shape your choice of activities.
The riverside path along the Riu Tenes is open to pedestrians and non-motorised transport. In addition to walks and activities in the natural area, this provides a specific way to explore the surroundings on foot or using non-motorised transport.
The Sant Miquel del Fai complex includes waterfalls on the Riu Tenes and the Riu Rossinyol. A virtual 360° tour allows you to explore in detail fourteen specially highlighted points in the natural and monumental complex. It provides historical, geological and cultural information. This digital offering complements the nature-related themes with an in-depth perspective on the complex.
Churches and historic sites
The church of Sant Pere i Sant Pau de Bigues was consecrated in 1156 by the Bishop of Barcelona, Ramon de Torroja. The church contains the remarkable Baroque altarpiece Retaule del Roser. For those interested in culture, the focus here is a consecration with a specific date and a particular named work of art.
Another historical landmark is the complex comprising Castell de Montbui and Ermita de Sant Mateu de Montbui. In 1949, it was designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN) within Catalan cultural heritage. This differs from the church’s consecration history: here, the focus is on the formal designation of a complex, while there it is a specific event in the history of a church building.
Festivals, crafts and olive oil
The Festa dels Tres Tombs includes a fair of handcrafted products, a parade with carriages, carts and horses, and the traditional blessing of the animals. It recalls Bigues’s farming past and pays special tribute to draught animals. The event thus combines craft stalls with a parade and a traditional animal blessing.
At the Fira de l'Oli del Vallès, visitors can learn about the Vera olive oil production process and taste the oil it produces. Unlike the Festa dels Tres Tombs, which recalls the farming past with a parade and animal blessing, this event focuses on the food product and how it is made. If you are travelling for one of these events, check the specific date in advance.
Plan your stay around your interests
When looking for a hotel, you can start with the reason for your trip. If you want a festival to shape your stay, first check the dates of the Festa dels Tres Tombs or the Fira de l'Oli del Vallès. For a nature- or culture-focused trip, you can begin by deciding which themes matter most to you.
Discover more destinations: La Pobla De Lillet, Lliçà de Vall, Collbato, Guardiola De Berguedà, Sant Quirze De Besora, Caldes De Montbui, Veciana, Taradell.
For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.
