Folgueroles brings together the life story of Jacint Verdaguer, historic sites and several hiking routes. At the Casa Museu Verdaguer, the poet’s childhood home, a permanent exhibition presents his biography and work. The museum is also the starting point for the Verdaguer Routes, which pass through Folgueroles, the city of Vic and the Guilleries-Savassona natural area. Literary history and trails through the region thus offer two distinct ways to explore the area.

Verdaguer and historic sites

The Casa Museu Verdaguer is one of Catalonia’s oldest literary museums, with a history spanning more than 50 years. The Sant Jordi de Puigseslloses chapel is also associated with the poet: Jacint Verdaguer celebrated his first Mass there in 1870. The chapel was built in 1477 and renovated and extended in 1883. The Church of Santa Maria de Folgueroles has been documented since at least 967.

The Font del Desmai became a natural meeting place for so-called Esbartades. At these gatherings, poems were recited and discussed, and the site became a centre for the literary revival of the Renaixença. Archaeological remains are also part of the area’s history: the Dolmen del pla del Bronze o del Camell is a megalithic tomb that was probably used from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, between the 4th and 2nd millennia BC. The Puigseslloses dolmen is considered one of the finest examples of a megalithic tomb in Catalonia.

The Casol de Puigcastellet was a defensive fortification used for just over 50 years, between 250 and 200 BC, during the turbulent period of the Roman conquest. Its structure included a straight wall, an attached central tower and eleven interior walls.

Hikes with different profiles

The Camins de Verdaguer is a short, easy hike with a low level of difficulty. One section has uneven steps made of stone and earth; the elevation gain is almost 50 metres. The Sant Jordi de Puigseslloses walk is 2 kilometres long, easy and flat, and can be completed in just over an hour. The planning details therefore differ: for the second walk, the distance and approximate time are specified; for the Camins de Verdaguer, the terrain and elevation gain are given.

The Camí Oliba passes through Folgueroles, which lies on the route’s second section between Vic and Sant Joan de les Abadesses. Two stages with Folgueroles in their names are Vic–Folgueroles, at 10.7 kilometres, and Folgueroles–Sant Pere de Casserres, at 11.5 kilometres. The Ruta dels Rellotges de Sol is a circular route through the town. It starts at Plaça Verdaguer and passes nearly thirty sundials.

Landscape and getting there

The Sant Llorenç del Munt route passes through pine, oak and holm oak forests, then climbs to high cliffs with scenic views. The Ermita de la Damunt stands at an elevated spot in the municipality of Folgueroles and offers views of Montseny, the Pyrenees and the Plana de Vic. Folgueroles is part of the Guilleries-Savassona natural area. This area also includes Sant Julià de Vilatorta, Tavèrnoles, Vilanova de Sau and Sant Sadurní d'Osormort, among others; these municipalities are represented in the management consortium.

To drive to Folgueroles (as of 28 November 2024), take exit 187 on the C-25, then follow the N-141 towards Folgueroles. The same information lists Sagalés bus route 487 as a connection between Vic and Folgueroles. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current timetable before you leave.

Discover more destinations: Granera, La Múnia, Vilafranca Del Penedès, Sant Joan Despí, Les Corts, Mas Carbó, Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, La Batllòria.

For the main travel overview: Barcelona.