Calaf: Castle, Building History and Festivals

Calaf lies in the northeast of the Altiplà de la Segarra plateau, at an average altitude of 680 metres. Dry fields and oak groves surround the town. The medieval settlement grew around Castell de Calaf; the castle and historic buildings give the town’s history a visible focal point.

Landscape and Practical Information

For rail travel, Calaf has a RENFE station on the Barcelona–Lleida line. Check the current timetable for your travel dates. The tourist office provides information about attractions, restaurants, accommodation, transport and traditional and craft products. Contact details and opening hours may change; check the latest information if you are planning a visit. Horse riding is also available in the municipality’s surrounding area.

Castle and Historic Buildings

Castell de Calaf was built in the 11th century in the upper part of the town, at a strategic point for controlling two routes. A guided tour introduces various rooms, the watchtower, the course of the walls and the former hospital. Tour details may change; check the current tour options if you are planning a visit.

The Campanar de Calaf is 56.60 metres high and was completed in 1889. The tour reaches the top floor and covers the old clock mechanism and the history of the bells; here, too, programme details may change. The parish church of Sant Jaume is Baroque in style and was consecrated for worship in 1639. It is 40 metres long, 12.5 metres wide and 20 metres high. The church and the Campanar thus represent different chapters in Calaf’s architectural history.

The covered Plaça Gran is home to the Les Botigues Antigues Museum, which recreates the original shops from the early 20th century. Plaça Gran was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest in 2003. The Convent de Sant Francesc was built between 1715 and 1729 on the site of the former Priorat de Sant Jaume. The aldermen of Calaf had a votive chapel built around 1690, after the population had been spared one of the plague epidemics of that time.

Sculpture Route and Events

The signposted Ruta de les Escultures is approximately ten kilometres long, passes through the municipality of Calaf and takes in 20 sculptures. Its length and the number of artworks offer concrete points of reference if you would like to include an outing in your plans.

The Aplec de Sant Sebastià takes place every year. A traditional procession to the hermitage is accompanied by a mass, Sardanas, wooden games for children and a communal breakfast. Individual activities may vary; check the programme for the year if you are planning a visit.

Every autumn, Calaf hosts the Fira de la Carbassa, a pumpkin market. The offerings include various pumpkin products and a food-tasting area. Stalls, products and the programme may change. At an earlier edition, children could paint and decorate pumpkins in a workshop; future offerings may differ too.

The Festa Major programme brings together concerts, dances, popular culture, family performances, sporting activities and events organised by local associations; individual programme items may change. The Festa Major d'hivern, in honour of Santa Calamanda, follows a recurring winter format: a traditional mass, Sardanas and the Metredansa feature alongside cultural events and stage shows. The Mercat de Calaf takes place in Plaça dels Arbres and along Raval de Sant Jaume.

When looking for a hotel in Calaf, you can first decide whether your trip will focus on the castle and its history, the Ruta de les Escultures or a festival. If you are travelling for an event, check its date and programme before booking; if travelling by train, include the current RENFE timetable in your plans. This will help you choose travel dates that fit your specific plans.

Discover more destinations: Castellterçol, Guardiola De Berguedà, Muntanyola, Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, Sant Fost de Campsentelles, Malgrat De Mar, La Pobla De Claramunt, Fogars de la Selva.

For the wider travel overview: Barcelona.