Several chapters of local history meet in Gironella: the Old Town sits on a hill around the church and castle, Pont Vell preserves traces of its Gothic origins, and walking routes lead to buildings and textile colonies. This offers different ways to get to know the town—from its medieval history to industrialisation.
Old Town, Pont Vell and historic walking routes
Gironella’s Old Town is a group of streets and buildings on the hill around the church and castle. Several routes lead up to it, including Pont Vell and the climb along the town walls. Pont Vell is originally Gothic, but only part of the bridge remains. The present-day bridge took shape over several construction phases. It has been documented since the 14th century; according to a bequest in a will, it was under construction in 1369.
“El fil de la història” explores the Old Town through the theme of textile history. The walking route connects the Middle Ages, the modern era and industrialisation. It starts at the Centre d’Interpretació Històric at C/Pont Vell 19, which also serves as the tourist information office today. Those who prefer to explore different periods through a clear theme will find a different perspective here from routes that focus primarily on buildings and places.
Modernism and textile history
The Ruta del modernisme is a walking route through the Old Town and along Avinguda de Catalunya. The first stops include twelve signposted buildings; the final three stops are the textile colonies of Cal Bassacs, Viladomiu Vell and Viladomiu Nou. The route thus connects the architecture of the town centre with places linked to textile history.
The Torre de l’Amo de Viladomiu Nou offers a closer look at an industrial colony. The building was inaugurated in 1902 as a temporary residence for its owners. Its modernist design combines elements from different styles: the walls’ masonry is complemented by brick and stone, as well as metal supports. During the visit, rooms, projections, lifelike portraits and mirrors illustrate life in an industrial colony at the beginning of the 20th century.
Casa Teixidor Bassacs complements this perspective with a permanent exhibition on industrialisation in BerguedĂ in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its main themes include the textile industry, mining, the narrow-gauge railway and rural life. While the Torre offers a historical experience through different media, the exhibition at Casa Teixidor Bassacs brings together several industries and aspects of life in the region.
Traditions and further discoveries
Living traditions also form part of Gironella’s cultural identity. The Ball de l’Almorratxa, also known as the Ball de la Torratxa, is a variation of the Ball Cerdà . Its origins are associated with a wedding in feudal times. The dance is currently performed twice a year: on Saturdays as part of the Festival de Dansa Folklòrica and on Sundays during the Festa Major de Gironella. If you would like to see the dance, check the dates of both celebrations when planning your visit.
At Sant Marc de Cal Bassacs, church architecture meets a distinctive building solution: the single-nave church is built against a rock on the choir side, with the rock serving as the apse; at the opposite end is a porch, or atrium. The Vot de Poble takes place there on 25 April, the feast day of Saint Mark. It includes a mass with the singing of the Goigs, a blessing of the municipal area, followed by the distribution of Coca with chocolate, usually accompanied by an orange.
Two permanent orienteering courses offer further ways to explore Gironella’s themes: one in the town centre and another in the sports area and Cal Ramons. The Ruta de les fonts offers panoramic views of the municipality at several points. The Ruta de les colònies follows a different route: it begins in Cal Metre and ends in Viladomiu Nou. Escudella de blat de moro escairat is considered Gironella’s signature dish. The different themes—routes, architectural history, tradition and regional food culture—offer several ways to shape your stay.
Visits by appointment
Antiga FarmĂ cia Homs is a 19th-century pharmacy in its original location in Gironella. Miquel Homs i Quer, a pharmacist from Cardona, founded it in 1877; its appearance remains the same as it was then. Individual and group visits can be arranged in advance by phone or through the website. If the pharmacy is on your list of places to visit, make sure to arrange an appointment when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Cubelles, Sant SadurnĂ D'osormort, Sant Jaume De FrontanyĂ , La Pobla De Claramunt, San Celoni, Centelles, L'Estany, Santa Coloma De CervellĂł.
For the broader travel guide: Barcelona.
