El Papiol: Castle, Trails and Festivals

El Papiol offers several distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: Castell del Papiol and other buildings, the Les Escletxes rock formation, walking and cycling routes, and local festivals. You can explore the town through its architectural history, landscape, routes or event dates. Which of these themes is most important to you may also affect when you choose to visit.

Castle, architecture and historic technology

A parchment document from Ramon Berenguer III, Count of Barcelona, records Castell del Papiol. The castle has a rectangular floor plan and consists of several parts dating from different periods; the oldest part is on the ground floor. The tomb of Galzeran Despapiol is inside the castle. The lord of the castle fought in numerous battles under Jaume II the Just.

Casa Rectoral is the oldest house in El Papiol and was built around the castle. Cal Girona adds another architectural feature: the building is one of the best-preserved examples of El Papiol’s vernacular architecture from around the turn of the century and has compositional and decorative elements of pre-modernism. It consists of two building volumes. The taller one forms a corner tower with a lookout-like character on Carrer del Carme; its pointed pyramidal roof is covered with green and red glazed ceramic tiles.

The Molí del Roig mill is also among the town’s historic buildings. This metal windmill for drawing water dates from the early 20th century and was built over a well used to obtain water. It pumped water from a natural well into a basin to irrigate the gardens. Its description thus links its construction with a specific former function.

Les Escletxes and walking or cycling routes

Les Escletxes are another notable attraction. The rock formation contains numerous fossils indicating that it originated in a marine environment around 30 million years ago. Cavers, hikers and climbers visit the site, where artificial and sport climbing take place. Les Escletxes is therefore associated with different activities as well as geological interpretation.

There are several distinct, clearly defined routes. The mountain route from the town centre to the Ermita de la Salut can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. El Papiol can also be reached on foot or by bicycle via mountain trails through Parc Natural de Collserola and along the banks of the Llobregat. The Ruta del Llobregat, part of the Camí de Sant Jaume, passes through El Papiol on the route between Barcelona and Montserrat. When choosing a route, the specific destination of the Ermita de la Salut and the Ruta del Llobregat’s course through the town are therefore two different options.

Festivals and local traditions

The Aplec de la Salut del Papiol takes place on the second Sunday in September on the esplanade of the Ermita de la Salut, at the foot of Puig Madrona. The Festa de la Cirera has been held annually since it was founded in 1983. It brings together local agriculture, gastronomy and the tradition of rural village cooking. The two festivals offer different ways to plan your year: the Aplec is tied to a date in September, while the Festa de la Cirera celebrates the town’s agricultural and culinary traditions.

El Papiol’s Festa Major takes place on the last weekend of July and for several days beforehand. It includes activities for all age groups, most of which are free. Another local festival tradition is the Cavall Armat, El Papiol’s fire beast. It was created in 1998 and takes part in local Correfocs alongside devil figures, drummers and Grallers. If your trip depends on specific festival dates, check the annual programme in advance.

Getting there and planning your trip

By car, El Papiol can be reached via the B-23, B-30 or A-2; the C-1413a then leads directly into the town. El Papiol can also be reached on foot or by bicycle via the mountain trails through Parc Natural de Collserola mentioned above and along the banks of the Llobregat. When planning your trip, you can choose between travelling by road, taking the routes described, or focusing your stay on the buildings, Les Escletxes or a festival date.

Discover more destinations: Gavà, Pontóns, Els Hostalets De Pierola, Torrelletes, Cantallops, El Masnou, Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Sant Llorenç Savall.

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.