La Llacuna between nature and history

When looking for hotels in La Llacuna, you can decide in advance what to focus on during your trip: forests and springs, the town’s medieval history, archaeology, or marked routes. The options described range from short walks near the town centre to a mountain biking circuit with stated key details.

Woodland and springs

Most of the municipal area is covered by pine, oak, and holm oak forests. More than thirty springs are scattered throughout the area. Both the extensive woodland and the scattered springs shape the landscape. If you would like to include natural features in your travel plans alongside historic buildings, La Llacuna offers a distinct focus on nature.

Local history and archaeological traces

The walls of La Llacuna were built in the 13th and 14th centuries, with four gates and several towers. The present-day settlement centre probably developed around the Priorat de Santa Maria. These are two distinct aspects of the town’s history: its fortifications and the probable development of its settlement centre.

The first mention of Castell de Vilademàger dates from 987. The first documented mention of the church of Sant Pere de Màger is dated to 1160. The Cistercian monks’ move from Valldaura to l'Espluga d'Ancosa is also recorded as having taken place in 1160. The year therefore refers to two different events here: a documented mention and the monks’ relocation.

Fortí del Castellar offers another perspective on the area’s past. The fortified settlement lies on a small rise in the Serra d'Ancosa, more than 904 metres above sea level, and covers just over 3,000 square metres. Archaeological research dates it to the late Iberian period, between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC. Its strategic position allowed visual control over the surrounding area. Its area, elevation, and dating each provide different clues for understanding the site.

Exhibition and regional produce

The small “Exposició de materials arqueològics” is on the third floor of the Centre de Desenvolupament Cultural i Turístic de la Llacuna, C/ Major, 4. It explains the development of human life in the La Llacuna area over several millennia. It thus complements the historic buildings and archaeological sites with an overview of the area’s long history of settlement.

Local food products are also part of the area’s offerings: the Mostra de vins d'altura is a participatory food fair featuring cured meats, wine, and other high-quality agricultural and food products characteristic of the area. It adds a culinary note alongside the historical and landscape themes.

Routes for different travel plans

On 23 January 2024, the municipality announced the “Rutes de La Llacuna” project. It comprises seven routes with varying difficulty levels and durations. The routes can be followed via Wikiloc or on site; each is marked with a different symbol. A separate initiative, “Espais per descobrir amb infants”, offers three short routes near the town centre. They are intended for families and short walks with children.

For the hiking routes described, the named places help distinguish their paths. The Puig Castellar Ancosa route runs from La Llacuna via Salt del Gos and Coll del Corral to Puig Castellar, then returns via Font de les Clotes. The Castell de Vilademàger–Font del Pla Novell route connects La Llacuna with Castell de Vilademàger, Font dels Horts, and Font del Pla Novell. The first description gives a precise sequence and return route; the second highlights several connected places.

For a mountain bike ride, the “Volta pel pla de La Llacuna” mountain biking route is another option. The municipal route description, last updated in 2021, gives a distance of nine kilometres, a cumulative elevation gain of 420 metres, and a duration of one hour; the route is rated easy and starts and finishes at Plaça Major. This puts short, family-oriented walks near the town centre alongside a mountain biking circuit with explicitly stated key details. If you plan to ride this route, check the route information again before setting off.

Getting there by bus

Transport information updated on 18 July 2024 lists a public bus connection from La Llacuna to Barcelona via Mediona, Sant Quintí, Sant Pere de Riudebitlles, Torrelavit, El Pla del Penedès, and Sant Sadurní. If you plan to use the bus, check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Santa Susanna, Guardiola De Berguedà, Sant Sadurní D'anoia, Manresa, Castell De L'areny, Vilanova De Sau, Folgueroles, Sant Adrià De Besòs.

For the overview of the wider region: Barcelona.