Calaf combines the history of a medieval settlement with a landscape of dry farmland and oak groves. Around the castle, at Plaça Gran and along the Ruta de les Escultures, you can discover different sides of the town. Markets and festivals also give each visit its own highlights. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Calaf, you can plan your trip around whether you are most interested in architectural history, a walk featuring works of art or a seasonal event.
Plateau, fields and oak groves
Calaf lies in the northeast of the Altiplà de la Segarra plateau, at an average altitude of 680 metres. Dry farmland and oak groves surround the town. This setting provides the landscape backdrop for a stay; the town’s history also leads back to the Castell de Calaf. The medieval settlement grew up around the castle, linking the town’s development with a prominent historic building.
Castle, squares and architectural history
The Castell de Calaf was built in the 11th century in the upper part of the town, at a strategic point from which two routes could be controlled. A guided tour of the castle introduces its various rooms, the watchtower, the course of the walls and the former hospital. Tour details may change. The tour explores the different parts of the complex rather than focusing solely on the castle walls.
Les Botigues Antigues, a museum recreating the original shops from the early 20th century, is located in the covered Plaça Gran. Plaça Gran was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest in 2003. The parish church of Sant Jaume and the Campanar de Calaf also offer a sense of scale: the Baroque church, consecrated for worship in 1639, is 40 metres long, 12.5 metres wide and 20 metres high; the Campanar, completed in 1889, measures 56.60 metres. A guided tour of the tower goes up to the top floor, where visitors learn about the old clock mechanism and the history of the bells. Here, too, tour details may change.
The Convent de Sant Francesc was built between 1715 and 1729 on the site of the former Priorat de Sant Jaume. Another historical account concerns a votive chapel commissioned by the jurors of Calaf around 1690, after the population had been spared one of the plague epidemics of the time. The chapel should not be identified with a specific name.
Festivals, markets and local produce
The Aplec de Sant Sebastià takes place every year and features a traditional procession to the hermitage, a mass, sardanas, wooden games for children and a communal breakfast; individual activities may vary. Calaf’s Festa Major combines concerts and dancing with folk culture, family performances, sports and activities organised by local associations. The Festa Major d'hivern, in honour of Santa Calamanda, follows a recurring winter format with a traditional mass, sardanas, Metredansa, cultural activities and stage shows. The programme may change.
The Fira de la Carbassa is Calaf’s annual autumn pumpkin market. Alongside a variety of pumpkin products and a food-tasting area, the 2023 edition included a workshop where children painted and decorated pumpkins. Stalls, products, dates and the programme may change, so check the details for each edition if you are planning your trip around the market. At Tasta la plaça 2026, dishes were purchased using pesetas—a nostalgic touch at the event.
Sculpture trail and getting around
The signposted Ruta de les Escultures runs for approximately ten kilometres through the municipality of Calaf and passes 20 sculptures. The approximate distance and number of works give a concrete sense of the route without specifying a walking time. Horse riding is also available in the surrounding area; availability and provider details may change.
The Mercat de Calaf takes place in Plaça dels Arbres and along Raval de Sant Jaume. Calaf also has a RENFE railway station on the Barcelona–Lleida line; check current timetables separately. The tourist office provides information about attractions, restaurants, accommodation, transport, and traditional and craft products. Contact details and opening hours may change. If you are planning to attend a particular festival, it is worth checking the dates and programme for that edition.
Discover more destinations: Alpens, La Llacuna, Casserres, Campins, La Palma De Cervelló, Els Hostalets De Pierola, Pineda De Mar, Rajadell.
For the main travel overview: Barcelona.
