Olvan combines Romanesque architectural history, distinctive local landmarks and routes in the surrounding area. Three topics are especially helpful when choosing a destination: the history of the churches and monastery, Pont d'Orniu on the Llobregat, and routes on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. There are also listings in the festival and events calendar. This lets you choose a focus that matches your interest in culture, outdoor activities or local festivals.
Churches, Monastery and Early Parish History
The small Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Valldaura dates from the 13th century. It is included in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia; at the same time, it is the monastery’s only surviving architectural remnant. For travellers interested in architecture, this site combines a clear historical context with its special status as a surviving remnant of the monastery.
The first church of Olvan Castle was consecrated in 899 by Bishop NantĂgĂs of La Seu d'Urgell and was granted parish church status, which it retains to this day. Compared with Santa Maria de Valldaura, this church history reaches back several centuries further: the 13th-century Romanesque church and the early parish history are two distinct aspects of Olvan from different periods.
Pont d'Orniu: Location and Architectural History
Pont d'Orniu is in Colònia Rosal, in the Llobregat riverbed. To see the bridge, take the route from Colònia Rosal towards Lledó d'Obiols. It was probably built in the mid-18th century, shortly after the end of the War of the Spanish Succession (1702–1714), after the earlier bridge had been destroyed during the war. The probable construction date refers to the later bridge, not the destroyed earlier structure.
Routes between the Local Area and a Long-Distance Trail
The area around Olvan offers numerous routes on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, showcasing the municipality’s 100 farmhouses. This lets you combine your choice of transport with an interest in the farmhouses.
Ronda d'Olvan is an easy route along paths and tracks, offering a different perspective on the immediate surroundings of Olvan. The section of the trail from SagĂ s to Gironella is different: it passes through the municipality, is approved by the FederaciĂł d'Entitats Excursionistes de Catalunya, and is marked as a long-distance trail with horizontal white and red markings. This lets you choose between an easy route in the immediate area and a marked section of a long-distance trail.
Festivals in the Events Calendar
Festa Major d'Olvan is one of the most important celebrations of the year in Olvan. The festival and events calendar also lists the Mercat del Bolet de Cal Rosal. If you would like to plan your stay around a festival, check the specific dates before making your travel plans.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Rajadell, Santa Coloma De Cervelló, Santa Eulà lia De Ronçana, La Palma De Cervelló, Sant Fost de Campsentelles, Santa Maria De Merlès, Santa Maria de Corcó, Berga.
For the overview of the wider area: Barcelona.
