The Roman settlement of Mons Observans was established in the last third of the 2nd century BC. In Montornès Del Vallès, traces of the past range from this early settlement to medieval buildings and 19th-century institutions. There are also walking trails and a river landscape along the Besòs. This offers several ways to plan your trip, with a focus on archaeology, historic architecture, nature or the events held in November.
Archaeological Sites and Historic Complexes
Mons Observans was designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest in the archaeological zone category in 2008. There is an important practical restriction for visitors: motor vehicles are not permitted at either of the two entrances. Take this into account when planning and check the signage and conditions before setting out.
The Poblat ibèric is designated a Cultural Asset of Local Interest. The Iberian settlement extended across much of the slopes of the hill in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Another historic complex is Castell de Sant Miquel, first mentioned in writing in 1109. Only half of the round keep remains.
The route from Montornès to Castell de Sant Miquel is a 5 km circular trail, with a stated duration of 3 hours and an ascent of 344 metres. If you plan to take this walk, check the signage and conditions in advance. This will help you fit the specific route details into your day’s plans without confusing the walking time and elevation gain with shorter visits to historic buildings.
Torre del Telègraf was built in 1848 as a military optical telegraph station and was used only until 1862. Visits are by appointment; check in advance whether an appointment is available. Refugi antiaeri de Ca l’Arnau also has set visiting arrangements: guided tours with a theatrical element are offered several times a year, and school and group visits can be arranged by appointment. Check visiting times in advance. The bunker is almost 100 metres long, reaches a depth of 15 metres at its far end, and can accommodate 200 people.
Architectural History in Farmhouses and Public Buildings
A basilica-style floor plan is noted for both Ca l’Ametller and Can Galbany – Can Comas Vell. Ca l’Ametller is one of Montornès’s oldest country houses; its round-arched main doorway features a raised coat of arms of Catalonia. Can Galbany – Can Comas Vell also has a gabled roof and, based on its construction and materials, is dated to the 16th or 17th century. The estate also contains a water tower in the Torrent de les Bruixes, probably built in the 19th century.
Can Bosquerons is documented from 970, making it the first house in Montornès for which historical records exist. The present farmhouse dates mainly from the 16th century. Can Masferrer, meanwhile, was first a Roman villa and later an important medieval farmhouse. It is considered the area’s most significant Renaissance building; its carved-stone windows and the portal of the small chapel of Sant Jaume are particularly noteworthy.
Antigues Escoles also brings together architecture and local history: Magí Rius designed the rectangular building in 1884, and it opened in 1930. The neoclassical building has a central section with its own triangular pediment above the hipped roof. Until 1964, it was Montornès’s only school. Another historic architectural form can be found at Església de Sant Sadurní, which was probably consecrated in the 10th century.
River Landscape, Park and November Events
The Besòs forms in the municipality of Montornès, where the Congost and Mogent meet. Significant riparian woodlands lie along the river at Santa Caterina and near Can Bosquerons de Baix. The Riu Mogent also retains remarkable biological diversity. A riverside trail offers a chance to experience the vegetation along the banks, and there are other walking trails as well. Visitors interested in nature can make this a separate focus of their stay alongside the historic sites.
In Parc dels Castanyers, horse chestnut trees line a promenade; the park also has flower beds, stone benches, a paved square and a small pond. The grounds were once the private garden of the country house Can Parera and opened as a public park on 11 May 1986. In 1993, contemporary sculptures from the ninth edition of the annual Mont-Art exhibition were installed there.
The Festes de Tardor are held every year in November and are a highlight of Montornès’s events calendar. They are celebrated in honour of the town’s patron saint, Sant Sadurní. The specific programme may vary, so check the dates for your travel year. This allows you to combine a possible event with your other interests without assuming that particular events will be on the programme.
Discover more destinations: Avinyó, Collsacreu, Mollet Del Vallès, La Múnia, Sant Quirze Safaja, Lavit, Santa Maria De Merlès, Sant Pau de la Guàrdia.
For the wider travel overview: Barcelona.
