Santa Margarida de Montbui is a destination for travellers interested in historic buildings, archaeological remains and striking landscape features. The summit of La Tossa de Montbui rises to 626 metres; it is home to a heritage complex dating from the 10th and 11th centuries. The town’s history also reaches far back: its landmarks include a Roman villa, medieval remains and churches from various periods.
Churches, Castle and Archaeological Remains
The Church of Santa Maria de la Tossa is a 10th-century building. Its recorded history dates back to 987; its reconstruction was consecrated in 1032. Remains of the Iberian population can also be found in the La Tossa massif. In the historic town centre are the remains of a rural Roman villa with a hypocaust heating system. This system is a specific technical feature of the villa and adds insight into its facilities alongside the archaeological building remains.
The heritage complex on the summit of La Tossa includes the Church of Santa Maria de GrĂ cia, the remains of the castle and a tower. The tower is rectangular with rounded corners and dates from the 10th century. It was part of a larger territorial castle complex. The summit brings together religious and military history, while the villa in the historic town centre provides another, Roman-era point of interest.
Mills, Palace and Church Architecture
The two grain mills of Can Planell represent different periods: the MolĂ de dalt dates from the 18th to 19th centuries, while the MolĂ de baix has medieval origins. The structure of the MolĂ de dalt was reconstructed, and the mill was put back into operation for educational purposes. The MolĂ de baix has been restored and is described as unique in Catalonia. The mills therefore differ not only in their dates, but also in their respective restoration and usage histories.
The Palau dels Comptes de Plasencia is protected as a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Its history dates back to the 12th century; the palace represents almost 800 years of local heritage. It was the political and economic centre of the Counts of Plasencia and the Barons of Montbui. The Church of Santa Margarida displays a different architectural style: the building is Baroque, incorporates Renaissance elements and has a distinctive bell tower. Inside are a star-vaulted presbytery and the mausoleum of the Counts of Plasencia.
Landscape and Views
Badland formations cover a considerable part of Santa Margarida de Montbui. The exposed limestone conglomerates contain, among other features, Fous, waterfalls, cliffs and caves. The Serra de Miralles-Queralt is also part of the municipality’s landscape: some of its protected PEIN area lies within Santa Margarida de Montbui.
The Mirador del Salt de la Donzella offers views across the Conca d’Òdena. On a clear day, the view extends towards CadĂ, Port del Comte, Pedraforca and Montserrat. Alongside the buildings, geological formations and sweeping viewpoints may therefore also shape the choice of this destination.
Getting There and Finding Accommodation
Santa Margarida de Montbui is accessible via the A-2 and Ronda Sud. From the direction of Tarragona, the C-37 offers the quickest access. Hispano Igualadina operates bus services from some nearby towns to the municipality; check the current services before travelling.
Since July 2023, an exhibition about Calliderma Atagensis has been on display at La Tossa. The exhibition features a sea star fossil from the Eocene, around 38 million years old. Its skeleton consists of 580 parts. Visits are possible by prior appointment and on Sundays from 12:00 to 14:00. Before travelling, confirm whether these visiting hours apply to your visit. If you want churches, mills, archaeological remains and landscapes to shape your stay, you can choose Santa Margarida de Montbui as a destination when searching for a hotel.
Discover more destinations: Bellavista, Manresa, Prats de Lluçanès, Santa Eulália De Riuprimer, FĂgols, Baix Llobregat, Monistrol De Montserrat, Lliçà de Vall
For the main travel overview: Barcelona.
