Anglès offers two distinct perspectives on a stay: the town’s industrial and architectural history, and routes that pass through pastureland and forest or lead to a viewpoint. When choosing what to see, consider whether you are more interested in historic buildings and technology or in the landscape. Cultural themes range from the former textile industry to the different architectural styles and historical layers of the old quarter.
Textile History and Technology in Anglès
The Colònia Tèxtil Burés was founded in 1887 by the company “Burés i Salvadó.” It produced cotton fabrics and cotton yarn. The complex was clearly laid out: three halls ran parallel to one another, alongside a hall set at right angles that housed offices and services. The factory complex also included two residential blocks for employees.
A striking technical feature of this industrial history is the Burés steam engine. It is recognized as a Bé Cultural d’Interès Nacional (BCIN) and is part of Catalan industrial archaeology. The Maquinista Terrestre y Marítima of Barcelona manufactured it in 1900. It comprises a boiler and a 200-horsepower Corliss engine.
The La Burés exhibition space presents the history of Anglès through three themes: its population, the use of natural resources, and life in the factory. The steam engine can also be viewed there. The visiting schedule includes free visits on the second Saturday of the month and guided visits on Sunday. Check the current dates before your visit.
Historic Quarter and Mining History
The Barri Antic d’Anglès is also designated a Bé Cultural d’Interès Nacional (BCIN). Medieval, Gothic, Noucentista and Modernista architectural styles and historical layers shape the old quarter. Carrer d’Avall is one of the town’s most distinctive streets. Together, the quarter and the street offer a glimpse of different historical and architectural aspects of Anglès.
Les Mines del Sant Pare preserves the ruins of former mining company warehouses, as well as the homes of its miners and managers. The name comes from an earlier ownership history: the Holy See owned the mine for several years. Here, the focus is on the surviving traces of a mining company, while the Burés sites tell the story of textile production.
Hiking Trails and Views
The Ruta del Carrilet I is suitable for hiking and cycling. Trail conditions may change following maintenance work or weather events; check the conditions before setting out.
The Ruta de Sant Pere Sestronques starts via the Via Verde and passes through pastureland and along forest paths. The return route goes via Serra d’en Planes towards the centre of Anglès. The route description thus covers both the scenery along the way and the direction of the return journey.
The Ruta de les ermites leads to the Santa Bàrbara hermitage at an elevation of 854 metres. From there, panoramic views stretch across the Pyrenees, the Gulf of Roses, the Ter Valley, the La Selva plain and the Guilleries mountain range. When choosing between the routes, you can consider their defining features: pastureland, forest paths and a return towards the town centre on one route, and a high-altitude destination with far-reaching views on the other.
Discover more destinations: Espolla, L’escala, Osor, Serra De Daró, Bellcaire D'empordà, Madremanya, Hostalric, Campdorà
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
