Discover Vacarisses: Heritage, Nature and Trails

Get to know Vacarisses through its cultural sites and the landscape of the Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac. El Castell, local festivals, signposted trails and the surroundings of Casa Nova de l’Obac offer concrete starting points for a stay.

Heritage and Local Traditions

El Castell is an emblematic heritage building whose history dates back to the 10th century. The municipal library, Biblioteca municipal El Castell, is on the first and second floors. On the ground floor is the Sala dels Cups, a large space for events such as conferences, exhibitions and concerts. This brings together a long history and a range of municipal uses in one building.

The Vacarisses information point at Biblioteca El Castell provides information about the Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac, tourism in Vacarisses and local businesses. It also hosts art exhibitions, as well as exhibitions about the history of the municipality and its surroundings. The parish church of Sant Pere de Vacarisses offers a different architectural style: it is neoclassical, with a single nave, transept and side chapels.

The Molí de can Còdol is also one of the town’s heritage sites. The grain mill is beside the Riera de can Còdol, also known as the Riera de Sanana, and about 200 metres from the Can Còdol farmhouse. Almost all of its distinctive features have been preserved. Its position beside the stream, proximity to the farmhouse and preserved fittings provide concrete points of interest for a visit.

Two festival dates stand out for a trip focused on local traditions: the Festa Major takes place on the first weekend of August. The Festa Major Petita is held around 26 May to mark the local feast day of Sant Felip Neri; the Baixada de la Vaca takes place as part of this celebration. If you would like to tie your trip to a festival, check the exact event dates before travelling.

Natural Park, Landscape and Trails

Vacarisses is located in the Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac. The Serra de Collcardús is part of the Montserrat–Roques Blanques–Riu Llobregat protected area, which covers 982.63 hectares in Vacarisses. Around Casa Nova de l’Obac, you will find natural park facilities and Mediterranean holm oak woodland. Casa Nova currently houses exhibitions about the natural park, an information point and meeting rooms. At Casa Vella de l’Obac, there is an information board about the Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i Serra de l’Obac.

The SL-C 51 La Torrota de Vacarisses trail starts at Plaça de Joan Bayà and runs mostly through Mediterranean woodland. The ridge offers panoramic views. The historic Torrota is an upright structure with rounded forms and seems to watch over Vacarisses from its viewpoint.

For the SL-C 63 La font de la Portella trail, a 720-metre section between Casa Nova de l’Obac and Obac Vell is described. It is partially suitable for people with reduced mobility and takes around 20 minutes. The Camí Romeu is different: its approximately 500-metre section between Can Serra and the Palà/Xoles settlement has benches and offers frontal views of Montserrat. This section is shorter than the SL-C 63 section; the two trail descriptions therefore provide different points of reference for planning your day.

The historic Camí Romeu led from Barcelona and Terrassa to Montserrat and is now signposted as the GR 96, with yellow and red markings. At Font de l’Orpina, beside the spring, there is a small picnic area and a waterfall formed during the construction of the path. Water plants, spring orchids, ferns, mosses and lichens grow around the waterfall.

Cheesemaking and Planning Your Visit

Formatgeria La Frasera makes artisan goat’s cheese using traditional methods. A visit includes a walk around the grounds and the chance to see the goat herd. Visits are chargeable and must be booked in advance. Confirm availability and terms before you arrive.

During your stay, you can choose from a range of themes: architecture and festival days, natural park landscapes and trail sections, or a visit to La Frasera, which requires a reservation. When comparing trails, the stated distances, time estimate, views and partial suitability of the SL-C 63 section for people with reduced mobility can help you plan.

Discover more destinations: Pruit, Seva, Sant Mateu De Bages, Fonollosa, Sant Vicenc De Montalt, Can Trabal, Valldoreix, Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.