L'Estany combines an unusual underground structure with the cultural heritage surrounding Santa Maria de l'Estany. The Mina de l'Estany is a drainage gallery about 425 metres long, built using dry-stone masonry; the church houses a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. The municipality also has springs and trails with hiking and cultural interest. This offers different themes for planning your visit: architectural and monastic history, or a combination of cultural heritage and landscape.
The Mina de l'Estany and its history
The Mina is an underground gallery built using dry-stone masonry, without mortar. It is approximately 425 metres long. As a drainage structure, it gives the town a distinctive subject of interest for anyone interested in historic infrastructure and building methods.
Its origins are connected with work on the former lake of l'Estany: drainage work began in 1554 and was improved in 1735, resulting in the Mina de l'Estany. The two dates mark different stages in this development, not a single construction event.
Guided tours inside the gallery have been temporarily postponed due to maintenance work. Before your visit, check whether a later announcement confirms that tours have resumed.
Santa Maria de l'Estany and cultural events
The church of Santa Maria de l'Estany houses a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. The Stagnum Festival uses the monastery's cloister and church as concert venues and takes place every August. The festival includes Bachiana, a concert programme dedicated to the works of J. S. Bach.
Another regular cultural event is the Fira de l'Estany, traditionally held on 8 December. It also includes a quick-painting competition of contemporary origin, which is attracting an increasing number of participants. As well as its established traditional date, the Fira therefore has a distinct connection with the visual arts.
Two different cultural events are held at separate times of year: the Stagnum Festival in August and the Fira de l'Estany, traditionally on 8 December. Plan specific visits around the dates of each event.
Cultural landscape, springs and trails
The Centre d'interpretació provides tourist information and promotes the history, natural features and cultural heritage of l'Estany. The Centre de Visitants presents the area's archaeological, historical, architectural, artistic and ethnological heritage through its cultural landscape. It also serves as the gateway to l'Estany's regional hiking and cultural trails.
Les Fonts de l'Estany comprises numerous springs spread throughout the municipality. These include Font del Prat, Font Canaleta, Font Vella, Font de Jesús, Font del Castell and Font de Sant Antoni. The names provide specific points of reference for anyone who would like to explore the area's landscape features.
The Itinerari del domini de la terra leads to Puig de la Caritat. Alongside cultural and landscape themes, visitors can also choose a trail with a clearly named destination. The Creu de Terme adds another perspective on the historic route landscape: the stone and iron wayside cross, dating from 1805, marked the junction of the King's Road from Manresa to Vic and the road to Artés.
Getting there from Barcelona
The route described from Barcelona follows the C-17 to the Caldes de Montbui exit. From there, take the C-59 through Castellterçol and Moià to l'Estany. Check the conditions along the route before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Sant Salvador De Guardiola, Sant Vicenc De Montalt, Montmajor, Calella, Guardiola De Berguedà , Pallejá, Santa Margarida de Montbui, Castellet i la Gornal.
For the wider travel overview: Barcelona.
