Traces of coal mining shape the history of Ogassa’s trails: former mine-cart and railway links, a cable-car station, and preserved industrial facilities reveal different aspects of coal transport. There are also churches with distinct historical and geographical connections, as well as routes through the mountain landscape. This makes it possible to plan a stay around specific themes rather than grouping all the sites under a single focus.
Coal Mining and Transport Routes
The Surroca coal mines began operating in the late 18th century and remained in operation until they closed in 1967. The Ogassa coal mines were an important reason the railway reached Ripollès. In 1940, a cable-car station opened at Ca l'Armengol as a new solution for transporting coal. In chronological order, these sites tell the story of early mining, a later transport solution, and finally the end of operations.
A museum created by local residents presents the work of the miners and the production of coal briquettes. The local industrial history therefore encompasses not only the mines and transport lines, but also the miners’ work and coal processing.
The route along the Via de Baix follows the former mine-cart track to the inclined plane of the Meseta de Baix. Along the way, it passes the remains of the Balaguer cement factory, where the chimney and bag-filling facilities are visible. The route also leads to the remains of the house at the Meseta de Baix.
A circular route along former mine-cart tracks follows the old connection between Ogassa’s town center and Toralles railway station. The Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó, by contrast, follows the former railway line associated with coal mining in the Ogassa mines. The two routes therefore highlight two types of former transport links: mine-cart tracks and the railway line.
Churches and Trails Through the Mountain Landscape
Sant MartĂ d'Ogassa dates from the 10th century, stands at an altitude of 1,370 meters, and lies on the route to Coll de Jou. Sant MartĂ de Surroca dates from the 11th century; the church lies on the route to Coll de Pal, in the northeast of the municipal area. Their dates and route connections distinguish the two sites: for Sant MartĂ d'Ogassa, the elevation and Coll de Jou are key landmarks; for Sant MartĂ de Surroca, they are its northeastern location and Coll de Pal.
Taga is 2,035 meters high and is the most prominent and highest peak in the inner Ripollès. The route through the Serra Cavallera can be completed on foot or, in part, in a mountain vehicle. The Camà de Vidabona also runs mostly through Ogassa.
A route along the Torrent de la Font Gran passes the Font Gran spring. There, water emerges from underground in an enclosed area. The Tall Obert de Can Camps is Ogassa’s most important fossil site, where a wide variety of fossils can be found. Fossils must not be collected there.
Local culture also includes the traditional Ball de Sant Ferriol, which in Ogassa is danced by the youngest children. Together with the churches and mining traces, this tradition offers another perspective on the different aspects of the place.
Discover more destinations: Cabanelles, La Vajol, Beuda, FortiĂ , Les Llosses, BesalĂş, Llagostera, El Prat de Llobregat.
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
