Els Hostalets de Pierola

Landscape and surroundings, culture and heritage, local produce and organic gardens, community and well-being. These are values that Els Hostalets de Pierola embodies every day and offers to those who stroll through its streets and enjoy its surroundings.

The territory enjoys a set of cultural and natural resources that make up a great cultural landscape formed over the centuries and always with the watchful gaze of the Montserrat mountain in the background.

The name Pierola first appears in records in 963 with the Latin expression Apierola. At the beginning of the 17th century, the name Hostalets begins to appear within the municipality of Pierola, as several establishments dedicated to serving travelers were opened.

The growth of Hostalets de Pierola led its inhabitants to request and obtain their own church in 1852, which prompted the transfer of the parish priest from the Pierola rectory to Hostalets. The parish was definitively moved to Hostalets in 1868.

One of the most difficult times for the population was at the end of the 19th century when phylloxera wiped out almost all the vineyards.

Los Hostalets de Pierola is proud of its ancient history. The passage of time has left its mark on the town's urban landscape, traditions, and the open and welcoming nature of its inhabitants.

A few kilometers from the town, we find the Romanesque church of San Pedro de Pierola, in the original heart of the municipality. This building, with almost a thousand years of history, holds great historical value for the town, which has proudly begun the restoration of this precious monument.

In the Pierola area you will also find the Pierola Tower, the most important medieval farmhouse in Hostalets de Pierola with almost 800 years of history.

Modernist architecture took root in Hostalets de Pierola. Thus, the town's urban fabric boasts fine examples of this architectural style, so closely linked to the Renaissance and the Catalan spirit that permeates the town.

The most interesting way to explore the natural surroundings and landscape of Hostalets de Pierola is through sports, especially outdoor activities. There are options for everyone, regardless of fitness level or age.

There is one element that makes Els Hostalets de Pierola unique in the world. It is the figure of the PAU (Pieralopithecus Catalanicus), the oldest hominid in Europe at 12 million years old.

Places of interest

Center for Restoration and Interpretation of Paleontology (CRIP)

The CRIP is a key facility for understanding the paleontological importance of the municipality. It showcases the discovery of Pieralopithecus catalanicus (PAU), a 12-million-year-old hominid, unique in Europe. It is an educational space that connects science, territory, and local identity.

Church of San Pedro de Pierola

The Romanesque church of San Pedro de Pierola is located in the original heart of the town and preserves almost a thousand years of history. It is a building of great heritage and symbolic value, currently undergoing restoration. A visit allows one to understand the historical origins of the area.

Pierola Castle

Pierola Castle is an ancient fortified medieval farmhouse, considered the most important in the municipality. With nearly 800 years of history, it is a direct testament to the settlement and feudal organization of the territory. Its presence reinforces the historical character of the Pierola landscape.

Casal Català

The Casal Català is a cultural and social meeting place deeply rooted in the town. It hosts activities related to popular culture, traditions, and community life. It embodies the participatory and welcoming spirit of the people of Hostal.

Pierola River

The Pierola stream shapes part of the municipality's natural landscape and has been key to its agricultural and human development. It is an ideal place for peaceful walks and observing local biodiversity. It connects nature, history, and the traditional use of the land.

Cross of the Holy Mission

The Holy Mission Cross is a religious and symbolic landmark located at a prominent point within the municipality. It commemorates the popular missions and the spiritual traditions of the people. It is also a visual reference point in both the urban and rural surroundings.

Washing places and waterwheel of Cal Curandero

The washhouses and waterwheel of Cal Curandero are a valuable example of the ethnological heritage of Els Hostalets de Pierola. These spaces illustrate daily life and the traditional use of water. They are direct witnesses to a past linked to the community and rural self-sufficiency.