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.