A circular Romanesque floor plan, a fortified Iberian settlement and a Gothic bridge give Sallent distinct historical highlights. Self-guided routes, festivals and natural landscapes complete the picture.

Cultural history between church, castle and bridge

The monumental Castell i església de Sant Esteve i Sant Sebastià de Sallent complex on Turó del Castell includes a Romanesque church with a circular floor plan. It is one of the few Romanesque churches in Catalonia with this design. From the hill, you can look out over the Pla de Bages and the Llobregat valley. The Pont del Batlle Pere Otger, popularly known as Pont Vell, is another landmark in Sallent’s architectural history: the Gothic bridge was built in the 14th century and is considered a local emblem.

The Poblat ibèric del Cogulló offers a glimpse into a different era. The fortified Iberian settlement covers around 5,000 m², is recognised as a BCIN and forms part of the Ruta dels Ibers. From the hill where it stands, you can enjoy sweeping views over the Pla de Bages, the Llobregat valley and the Pyrenees. Visits are tied to scheduled tours or workshops. Check in advance when one is available.

The Centre d'interpretació i Casa Museu Torres Amat explores Catalan bourgeois life: the former family home lies beside the Llobregat, and its luxurious rooms illustrate the family’s power. Tours, tastings and small-scale concerts are held there; dates may change, so check the programme before your visit. Celler Sanmartí adds another chapter to Sallent’s winemaking tradition. It is the only winery in Sallent belonging to the DO Pla de Bages and preserves a historic wine cellar at Mas Sanmartí, an old family home documented since 1210.

Routes and landscapes around Sallent

The Ruta del Romànic de Sallent is an officially approved circular hiking trail: it starts and ends in Sallent and runs entirely within the municipality. The Camí de la Sèquia offers another connection between landscape and architectural history. It runs parallel to a 14th-century canal that carries water from the Llobregat from Balsareny to Manresa. The Camí de la Sèquia is 26 km long in total. Along the section through the municipality of Sallent, there are several aqueducts; the route passes through dry farmland and wooded areas.

Six self-guided routes through nature and cultural heritage are offered in Sallent. As the availability of individual routes may change, check which ones are currently available before planning. This lets you choose between a specific circular route and other options that focus on nature and local history.

The wider Sallent tourist area also includes the Aiguamolls de la Corbatera wetland near Cabrianes, beside the Llobregat. Its habitats include riverside woodland and pine forests, remnants of an oak forest, red marl slopes, sandy areas and gravel banks, as well as extensive reed and cattail beds. For a geological perspective on the natural environment, the Centre de Visitants del Geoparc de la Catalunya Central provides information about the geopark and presents its geology through panels, a small mineral collection and an audiovisual feature.

Festivals as a reason to travel

Enramades is a Corpus Christi celebration with medieval roots, during which the streets of Sallent are decorated. It is recognised as a Festa Tradicional d’Interès Nacional. The Festa Major takes place every year on the first and second weekends of September. If you would like to plan your trip around either festival, check the dates and programme in advance, as the annual schedule may change.

These options offer different ways to shape your stay: Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Iberian archaeology, routes through the municipality or a visit during a festival. Checking the relevant visiting conditions and programme dates will help you plan a stay that suits your interests.

Discover more destinations: Santa Coloma De Cervelló, El Vallès Oriental, Sant Feliu De Codines, L'Estany, Vilassar De Dalt, Sant Pere De Vilamajor, Vallirana, Vilada.

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