La Batllòria in the Tordera Valley between Montseny and Montnegre

La Batllòria lies in the Tordera Valley between the Montseny Massif and the Montnegre mountain range. The setting is complemented by historical traces along the former royal road, trails beside the Tordera and recurring festival days. When planning a stay, you can therefore consider the landscape, architectural history and event dates as distinct points of interest.

Historic traces in the town centre

Architectural remains from the 15th and 16th centuries have been preserved in the town centre along the former royal road. At the beginning of the 16th century, La Batllòria and its manor house became the administrative centre of the territory of Montnegre Castle. Can Bruguera is a Gothic manor house belonging to the Gualba family, the lords of Montnegre, and was built between the end of the 15th century and the 16th century. Part of the building is privately used as a residence.

Other buildings and inns also point to different periods in the town's history. The old El Ribot inn was already operating in 1489. Hostal Nou was opened at the end of the 16th century by the lord of Gualba on the Camí Ral towards Hostalric. Construction of the church of La Batllòria, dedicated to the Mare de Déu de l'Esperança, began in 1609. Together, these dates show that the town's history is not limited to a single period of construction.

Walks along the Tordera

Starting from La Batllòria, the almost circular walk at Pla de la Ferreria follows the Camí Ral, the ancient Roman Via Augusta. It leads to the old inn and the forge; the return route runs along the banks of the Tordera. A viewpoint looks out over the open river landscape. The La Ferreria forge was built beside Hostal Nou; the site is now known as Pla de la Ferreria. Trail conditions may vary by season.

The waymarked Les Llobateres trail from La Batllòria is 4.5 kilometres long and is rated easy. The Les Llobateres wetland is also near La Batllòria: a restored former gravel pit with a riverbank landscape and a viewing point for observing aquatic flora and fauna. The trail offers both a specific route distance and a place for nature observation.

The Tourdera section between Sant Celoni and La Batllòria is 6.7 kilometres long, runs parallel to the Tordera and is also rated easy. At 6.7 rather than 4.5 kilometres, it is the longer of the two routes described. The section is suitable for walkers and cyclists; at Meandre del Pla de Lloró there is also a short alternative that can only be travelled on foot. From the end of the section in La Batllòria, Gualba railway station is a short distance away. Trail conditions on the Tourdera may also vary by season.

Downstream from La Batllòria begins the Fuirosos Valley. To follow the “Joc dels ecosistemes de la riera de Fuirosos” walk, you must download the Natura Local app and register. Be sure to allow for this requirement when preparing for the walk.

Festivals and December dates

La Batllòria's Festa Major includes, among other things, a fair, a Correfoc, a communal dinner, a bike ride, a giants' gathering, a foam party, a treasure hunt and Habaneras. The annual programme may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the programme for the relevant year.

The Festa Major d'Hivern takes place on the third weekend of December. It includes the Fira Nadalenca de l'Esperança, held since 2008, and the Enducros federated race, which has been part of the festival since 2006. This is distinct from the patronal festival of the Mare de Déu de l'Esperança, which La Batllòria celebrates on 18 December. Your planning should therefore take account of both a recurring festival weekend and a fixed date; you can check the specific event dates and programme items for your travel year.

Discover more destinations: Vallirana, Sant Pere De Torelló, Sant Feliu Sasserra, Gualba, Castellgalí, Torrelles De Foix, El Masnou, Saldes.

For the main travel overview: Barcelona.