Thermal waters at more than 60 °C shaped the town centre of La Garriga, which developed around the springs. The town’s history can also be read in its very different layers: Roman rooms, medieval church art and the Modernisme of the early 20th century. This lets you combine visits focused on architecture and history with time outdoors.
Modernisme: houses and a starting point for a walking tour
Illa Raspall consists of four houses: Casa Barbey, Torre Iris, Bombonera and Casa Barraquer. Architect Manuel J. Raspall had them built between 1910 and 1913. The ensemble is protected as a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Can Raspall should be distinguished from it as a separate address: it is considered Raspall’s first work and is the starting point for La Garriga’s Modernisme routes.
At Can Raspall, visitors can see the ground floor, including the ceremonial hall, and the permanent exhibition “Manuel J. Raspall y el Modernismo: dibujando la Garriga”. Access arrangements may change; check them before your visit. There is also an interpretive station about Illa Raspall in Plaça del Silenci. Together, the architecture and its interpretation explore Modernisme across several different stops.
From Roman rooms to medieval art
Can Terrers reveals another layer of history. The Roman villa is a Cultural Asset of National Interest and is considered one of Catalonia’s most important rural Roman settlements. Visitors can see the baths and rooms on the site that were used by Roman owners 2,000 years ago. They illustrate the Roman presence in La Garriga through specific parts of the complex.
The La Doma complex comprises the former parish church, the Domeria buildings and the old cemetery. The Romanesque central nave, dating from the 12th century, is the oldest part of the present-day church. It is joined by a Gothic altarpiece from the late 15th century dedicated to Saint Stephen. The chapel of Santa Maria del CamĂ adds to these medieval traces: it was probably built in the late 12th or early 13th century beside the royal road between Barcelona and Vic. The chapel contains a tombstone for QuĂxol, also known as Quixilona, the daughter of GuifrĂ© el PilĂłs. As the chapel is privately owned, visits are only possible occasionally.
Thermal history and local traditions
The town centre developed around thermal water that emerged at a temperature of over 60 °C. Another historical landmark is today’s Pou Calent: it was built in 1872 and still bears the date 1863, when its public use was confirmed. These dates connect the development of the town centre with the history of a specific thermal spring.
The Festa de Corpus is also part of local tradition. Its flower carpets are recreated each year in public spaces, with several generations taking part. In 2015, they were recognised as an Elemento Festivo Tradicional de Interés Nacional; the first written reference to the festival in La Garriga dates from 1816. If the flower carpets are important to your trip, check the dates for your travel year.
Around carnival time, La Garriga holds the Feria de la Botifarra. It aims to promote local trade and the butifarra tradition; dates vary from year to year. La Garriga’s most typical butifarra is cooked and made exclusively with meat, bacon, salt and pepper. Local butchers continue to make the traditional sausage without preservatives or colourings, using a method dating from the mid-20th century.
Visits, getting there and time outdoors
The visitor centre is the tourist information office for La Garriga and Montseny Natural Park. Walking tours and visits that explore the town and its history start there; the heritage tours on offer also cover the development of the area and urban planning. Check current opening hours and dates before your visit. La Garriga station is on the R3 commuter line of Barcelona’s railway network and is a ten-minute walk from the visitor centre. It is worth checking the current timetable before you travel.
The air-raid shelter at the station became Catalonia’s first museum air-raid shelter in 2006. It can only be entered as part of one of the two tours on offer; check the current dates in advance. The Teatro de la Garriga–El Patronat was built between 1924 and 1926 to designs by Xavier Turull and is currently La Garriga’s venue for the performing arts. The programme may change.
For active outings, the local trails offer a different way to explore: most are of moderate or low difficulty, can be cycled and are usually circular routes. More demanding outings from La Garriga into Montseny on foot or by bicycle are a separate option. Check the conditions for your chosen route before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Les Roquetes, Vallcebre, CastellvĂ De Rosanes, CastellolĂ, Torrelletes, La Floresta, La Quar, Perafita
For the main travel overview: Barcelona.
