In Calders, river landscapes and cultural history meet, offering different ways to explore the area. The Vall de la riera de Calders i les TĂ pies is characterized by forests of white pines, black pines and oaks. Its distinctive features include ten meanders and small waterfalls. Those looking to combine nature and history can also see the remains of Castell de Calders here: an observation point has been built at a meander of the Calders River, offering a view of a hill surrounded by fields, with the castle ruins at its summit.
Choose Hiking Trails by Length and Starting Point
There are trails of distinctly different lengths to choose from when planning your trip. The RUTA JOC ANIMALONS CAP AL GORG DE CALDERS is a 5.10-kilometer family trail that begins at Colònia Jorba. The RUTA JOC DEL CASTELL DE CALDERS covers 6.55 kilometers and starts in the town center. On this hike, the Natura Local mobile app leads you to hidden QR codes, including an audio excerpt from a story. You can choose between the two trails based on their length, starting point and focus.
For a longer outing, consider the 25-kilometer PR-C 197 Sender del Riu Calders. It has three variants, is marked with white-and-yellow PR trail markers and connects with other trails. You can complete it on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. The route crosses the Calders River several times. After heavy rain, you may need to get your feet wet at the crossings. This weather condition is worth bearing in mind when planning your hike; the different lengths also provide a clear guide to the amount of time you want to spend.
River Landscapes, Fossils and Wildlife
Along with forests and waterfalls, the Vall de la riera de Calders i les TĂ pies also features geological and biological points of interest. It contains marine fossils from the second half of the Eocene. Documented wildlife includes carp, white-throated dippers, grey herons and mallards. These details give the natural area more than scenic appeal: fossils and animals reveal different aspects of the surroundings and complement the view of the meanders and vegetation. From the observation point, you can also take in the landscape together with its agricultural fields and the hill topped by the castle ruins.
Castell de Calders and Industrial History
Castell de Calders served to defend the area and has been documented since 956. The present structure may date from the 11th century. The archaeological site has been excavated and consolidated. The castle thus combines a long documented history with an explicitly uncertain date for the present structure.
Another part of local history can be seen at Colònia Jorba, an industrial settlement on a meander of the Calders River. The privately owned complex includes three factory buildings, a dam, a canal, a turbine and workers’ housing. Resclosa de Manganell was used to divert water to the Manganell textile factory, also known as Colònia Jorba. The factory was built from 1892 in the municipality of Viladecavalls at the initiative of entrepreneur Pere Jorba i Gassó; a power station was built near the colony in 1906. The present-day church of Colònia Jorba was built near Manganell in 1944, after the Spanish Civil War left Sant Pere de Viladecavalls in ruins.
The underground circular structure Pou de gel, La Poua, is another notable feature of the area’s architecture. It stands on a heavily shaded slope and has a hemispherical vault. Together with the industrial buildings and the castle, it offers a different way to discover Calders than the hiking trails: here, architecture and history take center stage, while choosing a trail is more a matter of distance, starting point and activity.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Alpens, Llinars Del Vallès, Premià De Dalt, Sant Marti De Tous, El Pla Del Penedès, Castellar del Vallès, Dosrius, Fals.
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