Barbera Del Valles: History and Routes along the Ripoll
Accommodation in Barbera Del Valles
Barbera Del Valles brings together historic buildings, routes described in different ways, and the history of the cultural venue La Nau. This gives you several points of focus for planning your trip: architectural history, a route linked to the river, and La Nau’s concert history. At some stops, it is worth distinguishing between historical significance and the possibility of visiting today.
Architectural history across several periods
The watchtower and defensive tower of Ca n’Altimira is a Bé Cultural d’Interès Nacional and dates from the 11th to 12th centuries. Its strategic location served to control a large part of the course of the Ripoll River. Its protected historical status and stated defensive function are among the tower’s defining features.
Castell de BarberĂ is documented in written records from 1005. The building resembles a farmhouse; it was rebuilt between the 16th and 18th centuries, with significant alterations made in the 19th century. These dates refer to different stages: 1005 is the first documentary record of the Castell, while the later centuries relate to its architectural development. The chapel of Castell de BarberĂ can also be dated: it is from the 18th century and is dedicated to Santa Coloma.
Molà d’en Santo offers another glimpse into the past. The old paper mill lies near the Ripoll River and is documented in written records from 1660. The industrial history of papermaking thus complements the architectural history of the towers, the Castell, and the chapel. The year 1660 provides a separate point of reference alongside the earlier records and later building phases.
Routes and visiting opportunities
The Ruta del riu Ripoll a Barberà del Vallès is a semicircular route that follows a section of the Ripoll River. The Ruta del Castell de Barberà is suitable for everyone and starts at the Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Barberà . The two routes offer different points of reference when choosing: one focuses on its shape and the course of the river, while the other is described in terms of suitability and starting point.
Santa Maria de Barberà , also known as La Romà nica, is a 12th-century church. It is not open to the public for visits, and no guided tours are currently offered there. Although the Ruta del Castell de Barberà starts at the church, you should not assume that the route’s starting point is open to visitors. This lets you plan the route separately from the expectation of visiting the church.
An excursion associated with the Ruta del riu Ripoll a BarberĂ del Vallès can be booked through Club HĂpic Javier MĂ©ndez. If you plan to take this option, check availability for your dates and the booking conditions in advance.
La Nau: Repurposing and concert history
La Nau was created by converting part of an industrial hall into a cultural venue. Concerts there as part of the local youth association movement began in 2011. The start of concerts in 2011 as part of the local youth association movement forms part of La Nau’s history. If a concert is the reason for your trip, check the specific dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Roda De Ter, La Torre De Claramunt, Collsuspina, Vallcebre, Canyelles, Mas Ram, Argentona, Seva
For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.
