Sant Joan de Vilatorrada

Sant Joan de Vilatorrada, located in the heart of the Bages region, is a municipality notable for its rich history and cultural heritage, reflecting the evolution of Catalan society over the centuries. It is located just 3 km from Manresa, the capital of the Bages region.

History and heritage

The origins of San Juan de Vilatorrada date back to the 11th to 15th centuries, when the territory was structured around farmhouses and churches, such as those of San Martín de Torroella and San Juan de Vilatorrada, linked respectively to the Monastery of San Benito de Bages and the Canonry of Manresa.

During the Middle Ages, the local economy was based on dryland agriculture (cereals, vines, and olives), livestock farming, and activities such as flour mills and an early rural textile industry. Beginning in the 18th century, a population increase and agricultural improvements paved the way for the major changes of the 19th century.

With the Industrial Revolution, San Juan underwent a profound transformation. The establishment of textile factories such as Borràs, Burés, and Gallifa beginning in the mid-19th century fueled a wave of migration and strong population growth. The industrial sector consolidated throughout the 20th century, with a second wave of migration in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite the progressive decline of the textile industry beginning in the 1960s, with the closure of Gallifa in 1977, new industries and sectors such as the meat and automotive industries maintained the municipality's economic dynamism.

Today, Sant Joan de Vilatorrada preserves a rich historical heritage—with farmhouses, churches, and converted old factories— and boasts an extensive network of cultural, educational, and sports facilities. The municipality combines the memory of its past with a vibrant present marked by community activity, traditional festivals, and a clear commitment to quality of life and sustainable development.

Places of interest

Joncadella Sanctuary

Located in a privileged natural setting, this medieval sanctuary is one of the most important religious spaces in the municipality. A traditional place of Marian devotion, it has been a meeting point for pilgrimages and popular religious events for centuries. The architectural complex has been restored and retains its historic charm, blending harmoniously into the landscape.

More San Juan

Documented since the 11th century, it is one of the oldest farmhouses in the municipality. It holds great historical and architectural value and currently houses a Cultural Center. With its stone structure and landscaped surroundings, it represents the memory of the town's agrarian past and has become an active space for cultural and educational activities.

Mas Llobet

Mas Llobet is part of Sant Joan's rural heritage. It is surrounded by fields and vegetation and preserves typical building elements of the Catalan peasantry. Nearby is the holm oak grove of the same name, an iconic green space for walks and family activities.

More Vilatorrada

It gives its name to the municipality and is documented in 1038. It is a medieval farmhouse that was a central part of the area's original settlement. It represents one of the town's origins and symbolizes the connection between the territory and local identity.

More Towers of Bages

A rural farmhouse with a long history, linked to traditional agricultural activity. Located in a peaceful, rural setting, it stands out for its simple yet functional architecture. It is a living testament to agricultural life and the historic landscape of Bages.

Burés Factory

Started in 1860, it was one of the first textile factories established in the town of Sant Joan. It played a prominent role in the industrialization of the municipality and the attraction of labor. Textil Riba later renovated it and moved it to a modern space in the north of the town.

Borràs Factory

Founded in 1855, it was the first large textile factory in the municipality. Also located in the center of the town, it marked the beginning of Sant Joan's economic and social transformation, shifting from an agricultural to an industrial economy. It played a key role in the first wave of migration.

Gallifa Factory

Built in 1865, it was the largest of the three historic factories. It operated until 1977, when it closed at the height of the textile industry crisis. Today, the building has been restored and converted into a cultural center, hosting activities, exhibitions, and public events. It is a symbol of San Juan's industrial heritage.