Gironella
Gironella is a municipality in the south of the Berguedà region that grows on both sides of the Llobregat river.
The municipality of Gironella is home to four industrial colonies, from north to south and within the town: Cal Bassacs, Viladomiu Vell, Viladomiu Nou and Cal Metre. Each of these colonies has the characteristic elements that define them: factory, housing, church, owner's tower, etc. thus forming an important architectural complex and legacy, not only for the town, but also for the region and the industrial past of Catalonia.
The historic core of the town is located on the top of a hill where we find the most remarkable buildings: a part of the old wall, the town hall, built on the remains of the medieval castle, below which is what had been the prison; the church and even some manor houses of famous people from Gironella. Among these, it is worth highlighting the old manor house of the Bassacs family, who later founded the colony that bears their name.
At the foot of this hill runs the river, with its typical flora, numerous families of ducks and an artificial geyser, as well as the Pont Vell, one of the most emblematic elements of the town and dating back to the 14th century. In the most recent part From the town we find the evolutionary and dividing line that has been created as a commercial and main artery: the road, an old train line, which serves as a commercial axis for the town.
In each of the population centres of Gironella we find the church. In the centre of the town is the old church of Santa Eulalia, dating from the 13th century and which during the 20th century was used for industrial purposes; we also find the new church of Santa Eulalia built during the 20th century due to the increase in population and growth of the area as a result of the establishment of industry in the area. In Cal Bassacs there is the Santa María de Bassacs, in Viladomiu Vell there is the Sant Marc and in In Viladomiu Nou we find the Sagrat Cor. On the outskirts of Gironella there is also a hermitage dedicated to San Marcos, it is an 18th century church with a single nave attached to a large rock where remains of other previous constructions can be seen.
Gironella also has other monuments of a non-ecclesiastical nature, among which we highlight the remains of the Romanesque bridge of Sant Marc, which was also used for the "salt road" that led to Cardona or the Homs Pharmacy, from the end of the 19th century, which It still preserves the furniture and decoration of the period. We cannot forget the towers of the factory owners, of which we highlight those of Viladomiu Nou, Cal Bassacs and Cal Metre.
In addition, Gironella is known for songs such as "Gironella, Vila Bella" or "Roseta de Gironella".
Places of interest
Gironella Old Town
The old town of Gironella is one of the main attractions of the town. With cobbled streets and stone houses, it offers a charming medieval atmosphere. Some of the points of interest include the Pont Vell, which crosses the Llobregat River, and the Plaça de la Vila, which is the center of the old town.
Church of Saint Eulalia
This parish church is another important point of interest. Built in Gothic style, with some baroque elements added later, it is located in the centre of Gironella and is a good example of the religious architecture of the area.
Tower of Homage
The Torre del Homenaje is a defensive structure that forms part of the Castell de Gironella. This medieval castle is one of the oldest remains in the town and offers spectacular views over the Llobregat valley.
Old Bridge
This medieval bridge that crosses the Llobregat River is one of the symbols of the municipality. It is a bridge of medieval origin that has been restored several times over the centuries and is a good place for a walk.
The Viladomiu Vell Colony
Although technically located a little outside the urban area of Gironella, this former textile colony is an integral part of the industrial history of the region. Here you can see what life was like in a textile colony during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Colonia Vidal Museum
Also related to the textile colonies, this museum is located in the nearby Colonia Vidal. It offers a comprehensive overview of life in a textile colony, with exhibits on the textile industry, daily life and the working conditions of the workers.
Rock Park
An ideal place to enjoy nature, with picnic areas and walking routes along the Llobregat River. It is a quiet and green space where you can spend a relaxing time.
Wheat Square
This is another of Gironella's emblematic spaces, located in the heart of the town. It is the place where wheat markets were held in times past and still retains a historic atmosphere today.
Weaver's House Balsas
The historic building is located in the old town of Gironella, notable for its traditional Catalan architecture with stone facades and ornamental details. It reflects the local style and history of the area.
Homs Pharmacy
The former Homs Pharmacy is a 19th century pharmacy located in its original location in Gironella, with the same appearance it had when Miquel Homs i Quer, a pharmacist from Cardona, founded it in 1877. The pharmacy was in operation until 1999, when it moved to a larger space right next door. It was then that the pharmacists Maria del Tura Bovet and Àngels Franch - bensetes of Miquel Homs - decided to restore the old pharmacy and open it to the public.
Entering the pharmacy is like entering a time tunnel and discovering what the pharmaceutical world was like in the last century through a unique space in Catalonia.
The thread of history
What to do
Turisme del Berguedà
From the cultivation areas of Baix Berguedà, the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park and…
La Torre de l'amo de Viladomiu Nou
GironellaTransported back in time and enjoy a building protected as a cultural…
Marxants de Muntanyes
Berga (a 7.7 Km)Discover a lot of journeys, proposals and activities in the natural environment…
Parapent Xtrem.cat
Avià (a 6.3 Km)Enjoy a flight through the landscapes of the central Pre-Pyrenees, with views…
Where to eat
Bar Restaurant Xato
GironellaPlace your order for pizzas, hamburgers, tapas... at the Xato Bar-Restaurant and…
Hostal de Montclar
Montclar (a 10 Km)Restaurant specializing in black peas, grilled meat and garden and local products,…
Restaurant Gust Picant
Berga (a 8.2 Km)In the Picant Gust restaurant you can enjoy very affordable menus and…
Restaurant Font Freda
Castellar del Riu (a 10.9 Km)A restaurant that offers a wide selection of Catalan cuisine dishes, standing…
Where to sleep
Càmping Fontfreda
Berga (a 11.2 Km)Located in the Berguedà region, at 1,200 meters above sea level, it…
Alberg Cal Pons, Fundesplai
Puig-reig (a 7.7 Km)Discover Cal Pons, a hostel that is part of the architectural complex…