Avinyó

Avinyó is a municipality located in the north of Bages, in the Gavarresa valley, close to the lands of Lluçanès. The municipal area is extensive and has a large presence of oak and pine forests. The crops are mainly dry land, with cereals being particularly prominent. In the livestock sector, the pig sector stands out.

Vineyards play an important role, although they were much more widespread in the past. Over time, they have been significantly transformed thanks to the introduction of quality vine varieties and modern cultivation techniques. The Pla de Bages designation of origin will further strengthen this wine-growing activity. As regards industry, the meat industry is the most prominent. Textiles should also be mentioned, although it has suffered several crises.

The main population centre is located on the right bank of the Relat stream, on relatively flat land. Other important centres are Horta de Avinyó and Santa Eugenia de Relat. The municipality is crossed by the B-431 roads (which connects with Prats de Lluçanès and Artés) and the BP-4313 (with Balsareny and Santa Maria d'Oló).

HISTORY

Avinyó has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the megalithic tombs found in Sant Marçal and Serradebena. There was already an Iberian settlement there in the 6th century BC, and documents prior to the year 1000 mention places such as Villa Torcona (Torcó) and Rio Lato (Relat). The name Castro Avinione appears in a document from the year 967.

From Roman times, a document from the year 1053 has been preserved which mentions a road that connected Manresa with Prats passing through Avinyó, probably crossing the Relat stream, where the Pont Vell is now located, built in the 14th century. During the reconquest, the counts of Barcelona and the kings of Aragon were the feudal lords of the area, where the castle of Avinyonet was located, in Riberota, which changed owners until it was sold to the House of Verdaguer in 1803. Today, there is no trace left.

In 932, Sunyer, Count of Barcelona, promoted the construction of a hermitage dedicated to Sant Andreu on the site of the current Plaza. In 1232, due to the deterioration of the church near the Relato, this hermitage or a new construction was converted into the parish of San Juan, consecrated on February 28, 1233. The earthquake of 1427 caused part of the Pont Vell to collapse.

On 16 August 1714, Avinyó resisted the attack of the French troops of Philip of Anjou during the War of Succession, but later the troops destroyed the Villa house and the church. In the Second Carlist War, on 16 November 1848, the Carlist general Rafael Tristán captured the Isabelino brigadier Manzano in Avinyó, for which Tristán received the title of Count of Avinyó. During this war the telegraph tower, known as the Soldiers' Tower, was built.

THE ROMANESQUE IN Avinyó

Romanesque art developed between the 11th and 13th centuries in much of Europe, being one of the main expressions of the great importance of religion and the weight of the Church in medieval society. In the town of Avinyó we find different Romanesque styles, although almost all have undergone modifications and the incorporation of new styles.