Cànoves i Samalús is part of Montseny Natural Park. Natural heritage, walking trails and traces from different periods give a trip here a variety of focuses: from an exceptional tree to Iberian archaeological sites and churches with Romanesque features.

Landscape and natural heritage

The Castanyer Gros d'en Cuch is a distinctive natural landmark in the area. Its trunk measures nearly twelve metres in circumference, making it the thickest tree in Catalonia. Nature has a tangible focal point here, while Montseny Natural Park provides the municipality's landscape setting.

The traditional cuisine of Montseny also reflects this regional character. It includes slow-cooked dishes made with seasonal produce from local gardens. The combination of seasonal ingredients and long cooking times is a distinctive aspect of the culinary tradition.

Walking trails with different focuses

The SL-C 90 Riera de Vallfornès trail passes the Romanesque ruins of Castell de Cànoves. The castle was designated a Bien Cultural de Interés Nacional (Cultural Asset of National Interest) in 1949. The route to the Poblat ibèric de Lauro has a different focus: it climbs to Puig del Castell and the Iberian settlement of Lauro. The two trails therefore differ in their destinations: one passes the castle ruins, while the other climbs to an Iberian settlement.

The access trail to the settlement on Puig del Castell is marked, signposted and maintained. Check the trail conditions before your visit. A third route, Masies i boscos de Samalús, passes through the La Riera neighbourhood and the shady Esgarrapalls del Llop forest. Its description therefore names different waypoints from those on the two routes to the historic sites.

Churches and archaeological evidence

Sant Muç is a parish church that retains architectural elements from the Romanesque style of its first church, despite several alterations. It was first mentioned in a document in 1077. The historical reference point for the Església de Sant Andreu de Samalús is its construction: the present structure was built in the second half of the 11th century, probably over an earlier small church. Together, the two churches offer different kinds of historical evidence: an early documentary reference and the development of a building structure.

Puig del Castell de Samalús is an Iberian settlement extending across the hilltop. Several features suggest that this site may have been the city of Lauro. This possible identification remains a historical interpretation, not a confirmed equivalence. Other archaeological traces have different points of interest: Can Martí is considered one of the oldest Roman villas in Catalonia. The Forn ibèric de Samalús preserves the remains of a pottery kiln probably built and used by Iberians and the first Roman settlers in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. Taken together, this evidence ranges from a possible interpretation of the settlement's identity to a specific archaeological structure.

Festivals and local produce

The Mostra del Carboneig is a biennial tradition held in honour of charcoal burners. The Festa de les Maduixes celebrates strawberries, and children and adults can take part. For travel planning, it is worth checking the event dates in advance.

The Fira-Mercat de Sant Ponç offers handmade food products such as honey, candied fruit, pastries, cakes, cheese and cured meats, as well as medicinal and aromatic plants. As the selection may change, check what is currently available before your visit. Alongside archaeology and church history, local traditions and produce are also distinct interests to explore on a trip.

Discover more destinations: Vallgorguina, Rupit, El Bruc, Viladecaballs, El Pla Del Penedès, Santa Eulália De Riuprimer, Torrelavit, Castelldefels.

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