Castellolí: History, Caves and Trails

Castellolí can be explored through several distinct themes: landscape, history, pilgrimage routes and events. These differences are particularly useful when choosing a destination, as natural areas, archaeological traces and historic buildings each offer their own focus.

Landscape and caves

Els Pèlags is a small natural area on the Riera de Castellolí with three waterfalls. Rocky, forested and agricultural habitats meet areas shaped by water. The area has ecological and geological value and shows how varied the landscape can be across a small area.

The Coves de Can Llucià are labyrinthine caves in Eocene limestone. Their geological features include several galleries and a total route of approximately 450 metres. Pottery finds from the caves provide evidence of human settlement during the Early Epicardial Neolithic, between 4200 and 3800 BC. Here, natural history and traces of early settlement sit side by side.

Castle ruins and church architecture

The Castell de Castellolí has been documented since at least the mid-10th century. The complex is built into the rock on two levels: the upper level contains a tower and several building sections, with a large cistern below. The Romanesque church of Sant Vicenç lies on the lower level. Its façade features buttresses, lesenes and Lombard arches.

Another historic church ruin is the Església Vella de Sant Vicenç. It dates from the 18th century and has a single-nave floor plan with a transept, as well as a bell tower with a square floor plan. The Baroque building and the Romanesque church in the Castell de Castellolí offer different architectural points of reference for exploring the town’s history.

Trails and stages

For a shorter walk, the blue circular route Itinerari Blau (Cal Tardà) is described as approximately 4.8 kilometres long, taking around three hours on foot. As measurements may change if the route is adjusted, it is best to check the route details before setting out. A family route through the municipality leads to the Coves de Can Llucià and the Font del Ferro.

In Castellolí, the Camí Ignasià and the Camí de Sant Jaume follow the same route. The Igualada–Montserrat stage of the Camí Ignasià passes through Castellolí and is approximately 27 kilometres long. As a different type of route, the ruins of Castellolí are part of the Ruta dels Castells de Frontera de l’Anoia, which can be travelled by car or mountain bike. The ruins of Castell d’Aulí, dating from the 10th to 12th centuries, are also part of this route. Another route through the municipality leads to the caves and the Font del Ferro.

Events and other interests

The Festa Major d’hivern, also known as the Festa de Sant Vicenç, takes place annually around 22 January. The programme may include a solemn mass, talks and concerts, as well as a treasure hunt, a cooking competition, sports activities, children’s shows and theatre. Individual programme items may vary from one edition to the next.

A 2025 description of the Tuga Trail lists a 19-kilometre race, as well as the Tuga Half and the Tuga Walk, each covering 11 kilometres. Distances may differ in later editions. For sports enthusiasts, this comparison offers a guide to the race and the two shorter formats.

The 2025 edition of the Ratafira included a workshop on making homemade ratafia; the programme may vary from one edition to the next. The Jardí de la Ratafia was established at the initiative of two local residents and contains around 40 different plant species, with explanatory signs.

Motorsport is also represented: the off-road area at Kini MotorPark includes a 1,600-metre track for free practice and off-road driving. Track driving may be arranged through an external operator; dates depend on the respective organisers.

Official information lists the town hall, Bar La Brillante, Cafeteria Cal Forner and the restaurants Cal Betes and Cal Mao as places to obtain pilgrim passport stamps and access to La Rectoria. Check in advance which of these currently provides access.

Discover more destinations: Cubelles, Malgrat De Mar, Premià De Dalt, Pacs Del Penedès, Tordera, Calaf, Abrera, Teià.

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.