Capellades is best explored through two themes: prehistory at Cinglera del Capelló and paper production, which made the town an important production centre between the 18th and 19th centuries. When planning your visit, decide whether you want to focus on the Abric Romaní, which requires a reservation, the paper-making tradition or the historic buildings.

Prehistory at Cinglera del Capelló

The NEAN-Parc Prehistòric de Capellades is located in Cinglera del Capelló, a travertine geological formation covering almost 50,000 square metres in total. A path about 1,100 metres long runs through the formation. The park was created to protect the natural and archaeological heritage and share knowledge about the region's prehistory. The landscape, archaeological site and interpretation of the archaeological heritage therefore form a shared focus for visitors.

The Abric Romaní archaeological site and the path through Cinglera del Capelló can be visited by prior reservation. Plan for these requirements in advance and check the current reservation information before your visit. This makes the experience different from the town's historic sights, which you can plan to visit independently: a reservation should be part of your travel planning here.

Paper Mills and Historic Waterways

The Museu Molí Paperer is housed in the former 18th-century paper mill, Molí de la Vila. During a guided tour, the mill's machinery is demonstrated, along with the production of handmade paper. Families can also take part in a guided paper-making workshop: each participant makes three sheets—one from white paper, one from recycled paper and one from coloured paper. The tour and workshop offer different experiences: one focuses on the machinery and production, while the other gives you the chance to make something yourself.

The Molí Paperer Munné paper mill is also part of this history. It is housed in the former Cal Farreres mill, built in the mid-18th century. Another testament to paper production is the Rec del Corronaire: it is the open section of the Rec Major, whose water was channelled from the Bassa at Molí de la Vila to the Molins de la Costa and on to the Anoia River. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this water powered sixteen mills known as the Molins de la Costa. The open stretch of the Rec del Corronaire runs along the street of the same name, from Carrer Abat Muntadas to Carrer del Pilar.

Churches and Other Historic Sites

The present-day Església de Santa Maria is a 19th-century neoclassical building; its origins date back to a Romanesque temple from the 10th century. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross, and it features a striking round dome and a bell tower. Inside are works by local painters and sculptors, as well as works by Josep Maria Jujol, a pupil of Gaudí. The Església del Pilar is another historic link to paper production: the Serra family, one of the leading paper-making families, had it built in 1801. The Capella de Santa Bàrbara, meanwhile, is a small rectangular chapel with a bell gable.

The Font de la Reina district was a strategic stopping point on the royal road between Igualada and Piera. Its location may explain the presence of numerous inns. Font Cuitora offers a different setting: the park was created around the spring of the same name and has benches shaded by plane trees. La Bassa is one of the natural springs of the Carme-Capellades aquifer.

Plan Your Routes, Market Visit and Journey

The five Camins del Paper routes start in Capellades. The first is the shortest and most urban; it is 3.44 kilometres long, takes an estimated 45 minutes and passes by an especially large number of features connected to the town's paper-making heritage. As conditions on individual routes may change, check them before setting out.

The Mercat Figueter takes place on the second Sunday of Lent. What began as a traditional occasion to buy figs first developed into a seasonal market and later into a fair with activities throughout the day. Shops, service providers and local associations from Capellades take part. As the date is tied to Lent, it is advisable to check the event dates for the year you plan to travel.

For rail travel planning: Capellades station is served on the Llobregat-Anoia network by lines R6 and R60 between Barcelona–Plaça Espanya and Igualada. Check the timetable for your travel dates. If you are looking for a hotel, choose one based on your planned visits and travel dates; check the location and availability of each property for your chosen period.

Discover more destinations: Els Monjos, Sant Cugat Del Vallès, Can Cartró, Valldoreix, Guardiola De Berguedà, Castellterçol, San Celoni, Taradell.

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.