Premià de Dalt: Culture, Archaeology and Walking Trails

Premià de Dalt can be explored through a range of interests: archaeology and religious architecture sit alongside cultural trails, walks and cycling options. Some places tell the story of the municipality, while others lead to springs, mills, viewpoints or remarkable houses. These themes can help guide your travel plans as you decide which experiences you want to shape your stay.

Archaeology, architecture and cultural trails

The Iberian settlement of Cadira del Bisbe is located in Premià de Dalt, in the Parc Natural de la Serralada Litoral. It dates from the 6th to the 1st century BC; its excavated ruins cover 4,000 square metres. The settlement offers views of the coast and the mountain range. A route also starts here: the SL-C 112 Ruta de l'Esquirol begins at the oppidum. Cadira del Bisbe thus brings together archaeological history, landscape and a specific starting point for a route.

The Museu de Premià de Dalt is housed in Masia Can Figueres, which has been documented since the late 13th century. The museum aims to preserve, research and communicate the municipality’s cultural heritage. Another way to explore local history is the Sagrera medieval i les capelles route, which showcases Premià de Dalt’s medieval architecture and religious heritage. The self-guided Masías y casas singulares route leads to up to 24 historic farmhouses and remarkable houses. These trails offer different perspectives: medieval architecture on one, and the diversity of historic homes on the other.

The Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Cisa is an 18th-century religious building in the Baroque style. The main altar features a Gothic polychrome wooden image dating from the first half of the 14th century. The guided Passejant per la Cisa cultural route explores the legend, history and traditions surrounding the sanctuary. Visitors interested in religious architecture and local traditions can thus experience the Cisa from two distinct perspectives: the building itself and the cultural route.

The parish church of Sant Pere de Premià was also transformed architecturally: in 1588, it was completely remodelled in the Late Gothic style. The hermitage of Sant Mateu has different architectural features: it is of Romanesque origin and has a barrel vault and a semicircular apse. The hermitage stands at the highest point of the Serra de Sant Mateu ridge and serves as a viewpoint over the inland districts and the coast.

Walking trails and landscape

The extensive woodland around Premià de Dalt is criss-crossed by walking trails offering views of the Mediterranean. The Itinerari de l'aigua starts at the Museu de Premià de Dalt and passes springs, fountains, washhouses and mills. Its theme comes to life through these different types of water-related sites. The SL-C 112 Ruta de l'Esquirol, meanwhile, is a circular route through the Sant Mateu area, where you will find the hermitage, a spring and a hill. The two routes therefore have different thematic focuses: water sites on the Itinerari de l'aigua and the Sant Mateu area on the SL-C 112.

There are also several cycling options. Una vuelta por Sant Mateu is a circular cycling route in Premià de Dalt that climbs to Sant Mateu hill and passes the Sant Mateu del Bosc hermitage. Its destinations distinguish it from the differently themed cultural and water trails. At La Poma Bikepark, the described facilities include bowls, a trials area, a street area with obstacles, a jump zone and a foam pit. The bike park was established in 2005 as a campillo for dirt jumping.

The Aparcament de la Plana del Mestre car park is also useful for navigating the routes: it is free and located on the SL-C 112 Ruta de l'Esquirol, the GR92 and the Meridià Verd. The three route names provide specific points of reference to help you include the trails in your travel plans. Check the conditions of the relevant route before setting out.

Festivals and local products

The Aplec de Sant Mateu takes place on the Sunday closest to 21 September, when the chapel is opened. Premià de Dalt celebrates the Aplec de la Cisa every year on 1 May in honour of the Mare de Déu de la Cisa. Both events are associated with a religious site, but differ in their occasion and date. As arrangements can change from year to year, it is a good idea to check the details for the relevant edition before travelling.

Enotast is a wine tasting in Premià de Dalt featuring DO Alella wines paired with seasonal local products. If you would like to include this culinary experience in your plans, check the dates before you arrive. The tasting and the two Aplecs thus add specific events and local products to the archaeological, landscape and architectural themes.

Discover more destinations: Palafolls, Olèrdola, Arenys De Mar, Mas Ram, Palau-solità i Plegamans, Baix Llobregat, Lluçà, Vallromanes.

For the wider travel overview: Barcelona.