Vilanova del Vallès can be understood through its specific contrasts: the Mogent divides the municipality geologically, while routes focus on winegrowing, play and woodland. There is also a sanctuary with a range of architectural elements and examples of rural architecture. When choosing a place to stay, these interests may help you decide: landscape, a themed route, or architectural history and festival traditions.

Landscape between the Mogent and Céllecs

On the right bank of the Mogent are Upper Miocene sediments: conglomerates, marls, sands and light-coloured clays. They shape gentle terrain and soils suitable for cultivation. On the left bank, by contrast, granite covered with pine trees predominates. The river thus divides the municipality into two geologically distinct areas. The landscape is also characterised by its orientation: the municipality runs along the Mogent from northeast to southwest, as does the Serralada Prelitoral.

Another landmark is Céllecs mountain. At 534 metres, it is the highest point of the Parc de la Serralada Litoral within the municipality. Together with the geological change along the Mogent, it provides a more detailed picture of the local landscape: soils suitable for cultivation and gentle terrain stand in contrast to granite covered with pine trees; Céllecs adds a named high point to these geographical details.

Two routes, different focuses

The Ruta de la Il·lusió combines distinctive features of local winegrowing with a game. At each stop, hidden QR codes provide information about winegrowing and the game. The route also places local features in the context of the DO Alella wine region. Winegrowing and its regional context are therefore at the heart of this themed route.

The Ruta dels Capellans has a different focus: it is three kilometres long and leads into the Bosc dels Capellans, a woodland of pines, holm oaks and cork oaks. The route is particularly suitable for outings with children. When choosing between the two paths, you can consider these documented differences: a winegrowing theme and a game on the Ruta de la Il·lusió, and a stated distance and woodland on the Ruta dels Capellans.

The sanctuary and examples of rural architecture

The Santuari de Santa Quitèria combines Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements. It also offers views across parts of the Vallès Oriental, including Montseny, Montserrat, Sant Llorenç del Munt and Puigmal in the Pyrenees. Architecture and views are two distinct aspects of this place: one concerns its architectural styles, the other the view over named landscapes in the region.

Can Safont also features specific architectural details. The large farmhouse has a central building with a basilica-style floor plan. A few metres from the house are the surviving remains of a disused brick kiln. These include two semicircular entrance openings made of exposed brick. Thus, close to one another are a farmhouse with a described floor plan and the surviving structural elements of a former kiln.

Festa Major and Aplec

The Festa Major is held in honour of Sant Lleïr, the patron saint of the municipality. Its date follows a clear calendar rule: it takes place on the Monday before the last Thursday in August. The Aplec de Santa Quitèria is tied to Pentecost, known as the second Pentecost or Pasqua granada. The festivals therefore have different calendar anchors: the Festa Major is determined by a weekday in August, while the Aplec is linked to Pentecost.

For the main travel overview: Barcelona.