El Bruc: Modernist Architecture and Montserrat

El Bruc lies at the foot of Montserrat and brings together medieval town planning, modernist buildings, memories of battles and climbing culture in its history. Visitors who choose the town as a destination can explore a range of themes: the architecture of Bruc del Mig, the events of 1808, the landscape around Montserrat or archaeological traces along a route to Can Maçana.

Architecture and Local History

Can Casas illustrates the different ways a building could be used: its ground floor housed rooms for a wine cellar and distillery, while the main floor contained a grand residence. The building was designed and overseen by Cristòfor Cascante i Colom, who studied and worked with Antoni Gaudí. The building's uses and its architectural history come together in one structure.

Can Casas Petit is an early 20th-century modernist building in Bruc del Mig. Vil·la Antoinette, known as Can Díaz, is also part of the modernist architecture: the residential building was constructed in 1916 to a design by architect Ricard Giralt. Can Cordero offers a different emphasis. Its ceramic construction and the covering of the entire building with terracotta tiles reflect the importance of the brick industry in El Bruc.

Alongside its individual buildings, El Bruc de la Parròquia retains its original medieval layout. Modern designs and the older town plan thus stand side by side as distinct perspectives on the history of its architecture.

Memories of Battles and Climbing History

The Torre del Telègraf, also called Castell Ferran, was built in the mid-19th century as part of a telegraph chain. This linked Barcelona with several military garrisons stationed in Catalonia. From the 789 m-high hill, the approaches to the 744 m-high Can Maçana Pass are visible on both its south and north sides.

The Festa del Timbaler commemorates the battles fought on 6 and 14 June 1808 in the area around the Coll de Can Maçana during the Spanish War of Independence. For many years, the festival has been held on the first weekend of June. The program includes street theater, traditional children's games, a historical market, historical reenactments, Trabucaires, drummers and a beer festival. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and program for that year.

The Museu de la Muntanya de Montserrat del Bruc has collections about the battles of El Bruc and climbing on Montserrat. Its audiovisual presentation “Sensacions Verticals” also focuses on climbing: in 14 minutes, it uses the Cavall Bernat to demonstrate the techniques and equipment involved in this activity.

Landscape and Trails Around El Bruc

Much of El Bruc is covered by woodland, including pine, oak and holm oak forests; hazelnut and almond trees also grow here. From the Torre del Telègraf hill, the view takes in the approaches to the pass, while the section of the Camí de les Batalles from Bruc de Dalt to Les Creus Verdes offers a broad view of the battlefield.

On the route from El Bruc to Can Maçana, a path branches off to Cova Tapada. The only megalithic remains known in the massif, as well as Neolithic burials, were discovered there. The Megalit de la Diablera is located along the route and has a small information panel. The archaeological sites and their links to the trail can thus be explored as a distinct facet of local history. The entrance to the Parc Natural de la Muntanya de Montserrat through Can Maçana has also helped bring new life to El Bruc.

To help you find your way around town, El Bruc offers a smartphone audio guide that uses QR codes to explore the streets and history of the town. Architecture, historic sites of remembrance, climbing and the landscape around Montserrat give your stay a range of possible themes.

Discover more destinations: Sant Feliu De Codines, Viladrau, Mas Carbó, Collsacreu, Santa Perpetua De Moguda, Pallejá, Torelló, La Roca del Vallès.

For the main travel overview: Barcelona.