Igualada

Igualada, a dynamic city

With a wide range of fairs, festivals, and large-scale events, Igualada has earned a reputation as a city that never stops. As the regional capital, it hosts prominent events such as FirAnoia and the Antiques Market, as well as innovative initiatives like the Rec.0 Experimental Stores, which, temporarily transforms the old Rec neighborhood twice a year.

For four days, former factories and tanneries become pop-up fashion stores, where renowned brands offer their stock and samples at very competitive prices. The culinary highlight is TastAnoia, and the sporting event features top-level events such as the Volcat BTT and the European Balloon Festival, the largest hot-air balloon festival in southern Europe.

Igualada, open-air shopping center

A city with commercial roots, Igualada grew around a crossroads that fostered trade and economic dynamism. Today, it maintains this spirit with a commercial and restaurant scene that drives its urban and social development.

Its streets and squares retain a welcoming atmosphere, and the unique personality of its establishments makes Igualada an ideal place to stroll and discover corners full of activity and charm.

With an attractive old town, first-class cuisine, and a notable concentration of factory outlets, Igualada is establishing itself as one of the leading shopping destinations in central Catalonia.

Igualada, a welcoming and sustainable city

Igualada is not only an attractive place to explore, but also a place to live your daily life. It features pedestrian-friendly streets that seamlessly connect the different neighborhoods with services, open spaces, and garden areas. More than 35,000 trees and 88 plant species provide shade and refreshment to those who stroll through its streets, squares, and parks.

The city offers its residents areas such as Central Park and the Anella Verda, designed to promote physical activity and bring natural spaces closer to the city center, with the aim of enhancing the well-being and quality of life of its residents.

Igualada, city of celebration and tradition

Igualada maintains centuries-old celebrations that have adapted to modern times without losing their essence. Traditional festivals constitute a ritual heritage that distinguishes us from other towns and forms an inseparable part of our collective identity. Celebrations here are communal and foster strong civic involvement.

Among this cultural legacy, the most notable are the Three Kings' Festival - awarded the Cross of Sant Jordi and recognised as a Popular Festival of Cultural Interest -, the oldest in Catalonia, documented since 1895; the festival of San Antonio y los Tres Tombs, the oldest in Spain (1822), declared a Traditional Festival of National Interest; the Festival of the Holy Christ, which commemorates the miracle of the sweat of blood of the 16th century; and the Festival of Sant Bartomeu, with documented origins in the 14th century, which still stands out today for its great capacity for evolution and massive participation.

Igualada, a cultural capital of reference

Igualada, recognized as the Capital of Catalan Culture in 2022, plays a key role as a cultural driving force within the Catalan landscape. Thanks to its active and diverse network of associations, the city promotes numerous cultural projects of great artistic value and distinct uniqueness each year.

Events such as FineArt Fotografia, the Igualada Showcase —a performing arts fair for children and young people and one of the six strategic fairs of the Generalitat—or the Zoom Festival, dedicated to audiovisual content, are notable examples that have placed Igualada on the national cultural map.

Facilities such as the Leather Museum, the Municipal Ateneo Theater, and the Municipal Exhibition Hall reflect this cultural effervescence and consolidate the city as an essential destination for those who enjoy art and culture in all its forms.

Places of interest

Town Hall Square

Located in the center of the old town, Town Hall Square is one of Igualada's most emblematic spaces. With the characteristic style of Catalan arcaded squares, it remains the city's institutional center, presided over by the neoclassical Town Hall, inaugurated in 1883.

In its surroundings, we find heritage buildings, historic shops, and terraces that enliven a space where everyday life, heritage, and major popular celebrations coexist. It is a frequent venue for institutional events and community gatherings.

From this square, you can explore the historic center and discover points of interest such as the Church of Santa Maria, Calle de la Plata, and the remains of the medieval wall. It's a good starting point for exploring Igualada on guided tours.

Basilica of Santa Maria

The city's main parish church, the Basilica of Santa María, is one of Igualada's great symbols. Designed by Renaissance architect Pere Blai, the building captures the city's origins and historical evolution.

The original chapel of San Pedro and Santa María, documented in 1002, gave way to a temple that houses a prominent altarpiece, a transition between Baroque and Neoclassical styles, by Josep Sunyer. Also noteworthy are the fonda chapel of Sant Crist, with paintings by Francesc Tramullas, and the modernist baptistery designed by Ignasi Colomer.

The Walls

Igualada has over a thousand years of history, and was soon surrounded by walls for protection. Although few visible remains remain today, these defensive structures have shaped the urban planning of the old town.

Built in three stages, the walls in the 15th century had 36 towers, 7 gates, and a double moat. Remains of these walls remain today, such as the Portal d'en Vives and the Font Major.

Want to discover what Igualada was like and what remains? Sign up for the Medieval Igualada guided tour and explore the city's former boundaries!

Las Ramblas

North of the Old Town, the Ramblas of Igualada follow the old route of the Carretera Real and form one of the busiest and most emblematic areas of the city. They are made up of four streets: Rambla General Vives, Rambla de San Isidro (the oldest), Rambla Nova, and Rambla de Sant Ferran.

The route starts at Plaza del Rei and continues to Plaza Castells, where the building of the former Sant Agustí convent stands out.

Modernism

With the arrival of the railway and the industrial boom, Modernisme entered Igualada, reflecting a time of profound social and economic change. It is no coincidence that the first Modernist buildings were the train station and the Círculo Mercantil e Industrial, true symbols of emerging modernity.

From then on, the style spread throughout the city. More than a hundred modernist buildings or buildings with elements of this style are now part of Igualada's urban landscape. Some of the most notable are:

• Ca la Mamita: glazed ceramics and a central tower that make it unmistakable.
• Ollé Agency: an explosion of colors and textures in the heart of Rambla Sant Isidre.
• Cal Poncell: brick and green ceramics at the service of elegant and urban modernism.
• Cal Ratés: a tower and gargoyles within the historic center, with a striking rear facade.
• Ateneo Igualadino: a cultural center with a modernist headquarters renovated in 1910.
• Matadero: an example of industrial modernism, both functional and aesthetic.
• Home of the Holy Christ: postmodernism influenced by Gaudí, the work of Joan Rubió and Bellver.

Central Park

Located on the northern slope of Avenida Mestre Muntaner, Central Park is one of the city's main green spaces and recreational spaces. It houses the Camp de Vol—the venue for the European Balloon Festival—a modern skate park, and two pump track circuits, ideal for lovers of thrills on wheels.

The park also includes Biollac, a natural area with ecological value and educational functions, and a large playground designed for the enjoyment of little ones.

Next to the park, you can admire two outstanding works of contemporary Catalan architecture: the old Vives Vidal SA factory and the Sagrada Família church.

The Verdaguer promenade

At 1,540 meters long, Passeig Verdaguer is the longest straight promenade in Catalonia. Initially known as Passeig de la Alameda (1834), it marked the northern boundary of Igualada until 1925 and was closed to the Catalan Railways until 1977.

Along the promenade, we find modernist buildings like Cal Poncell and noucentiste buildings like Cal Maurici, as well as traces of the city's industrial past. A unique feature is the Cal Pasqual gas generator, consisting of the factory's old engine, the boiler, and the chimney. Installed after the Civil War, it was used to generate producer gas for the looms.

It is the only example of its kind preserved in Catalonia and probably in Europe. The walk ends at the Parc de l'Estació Vella, a green space and venue for concerts, fairs, and civic celebrations.

Green Ring

The Green Belt is a circular route of over 13 km that encircles Igualada and connects several natural, agricultural, and scenic areas in its immediate surroundings. Designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and respect for the environment, it's perfect for sports, walking, or family fun.

Along the route, you can enjoy privileged views of the city and surrounding area, and connections to routes such as the Camino de Santiago, the Vía Azul, and the Ignatian Way.

Anoia Blue Route

The Anoia Blue Route is part of the Barcelona Blue Routes project, a network of more than 250 km that follows the Llobregat, Cardener, and Anoia rivers. This route follows the Anoia River from Jorba to Martorell, offering a relaxing and accessible way to discover river landscapes, natural spaces, and heritage sites.

As it passes through Igualada, the route allows you to rediscover the city from a new perspective, connecting with places such as the Rec neighborhood, the Leather Museum, and the Green Belt.

Maco is necessary

Located in the center of Igualada, Cal Maco is a modernist building that houses the city and regional Tourist Office, the Ignatian Way Interpretation Center, and a pilgrim hostel. The center offers a glimpse into the journey of Saint Ignatius through Igualada and a glimpse into what the city was like in the 16th century.

One of the most notable features is the faithful recreation of the pilgrim's attire. In addition to its educational function, Cal Maco offers modern and comfortable accommodations for both pilgrims and travelers wishing to explore the city and its surroundings.

It is, without a doubt, an ideal gateway to begin getting to know Igualada, its history and its role as a crossroads of roads and cultures.