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Mataró

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Shire: Maresme · Province: Barcelona
131.370 Inhabitants 22,5 km² 28 m

Mataró is a Mediterranean city to discover at any time of year! The capital of the Maresme region has over 128,000 inhabitants and enjoys a privileged location: situated between the sea and the Coastal Range, it is only 30 minutes from Barcelona and very close to the most popular tourist towns in the area.

The city has been able to collect and preserve traditions, history, heritage, culture and natural environment to offer it to its visitors today.

A stroll through the city centre allows you to discover a diverse and high-quality commercial and gastronomic offering, which also includes the traditional markets of El Rengle and Plaza de Cuba, with the best locally grown products.

This offer is combined with an attractive and pleasant environment where you can be surprised by examples of the rich heritage: the Roman legacy of the ancient city of Iluro, the beauty of the baroque ensemble of the Chapel of Sorrows in the Basilica of Santa Maria or the Gaudí nave, the first work of the modernist architect Antoni Gaudí and currently home to the Museum of Contemporary Art where the Bassat Collection is exhibited, are just some examples.

This first-rate heritage can be discovered with guided tours or with the free audio guide service, available in five languages (Catalan, Spanish, English, French and Russian).

If you go to the sea, you will find beaches distinguished with the "Q" certifications of tourist quality and with all the services to have a good time swimming.

The gastronomic and leisure offerings of the seafront are complemented by those of the Port of Mataró, a marina with more than a thousand berths that offers nautical and underwater activities throughout the year.

In June, Mataró welcomes summer with the Fiesta en el Puerto, during which a large number of activities are organized to enjoy the sea.

If you are passionate about the mountains, you can walk and go hiking or cycling through the Montnegre i Corredor Park and, if you are an adventure lover, enjoy the Bosc Vertical in the Forest Park.

Mataró is a city to discover year-round, but in summer the activity intensifies with the Festa al Port, and at the end of July the city explodes with the Festa Major de Les Santes, declared a Heritage Festival of National Interest. Giants, fireworks, concerts, the " Nit Boja" (Crazy Night), and human tower performances are some of the main activities that take place.

Places of interest

Gaudí Ship in Mataró

Gaudí 's first work, this former industrial building is notable for its Catalan vault structure, an architectural innovation of Modernism. Currently, it serves as a contemporary art gallery and houses exhibitions from the Bassat Collection. Its historical and artistic significance makes it an essential site for understanding the beginnings of Gaudí's architecture.

Santa Maria Square in Mataró

In the heart of the old town, this charming square is dominated by the Basilica of Santa Maria. Besides being a popular meeting place, it hosts traditional celebrations and markets. It's an ideal spot for a stroll and to discover the city's historic architecture, with buildings that preserve elements from centuries past.

Mataró's main square

Known as the city's nerve center, this square is a vibrant meeting point. It's surrounded by shops, bars, and terraces that maintain the atmosphere of a Mediterranean village. Throughout the year, cultural activities, concerts, and local fairs are held here, making it a dynamic and welcoming space for locals and visitors alike.

Basilica of Santa Maria de Mataró

It is the most important religious building in Mataró, with a rich history dating back to the medieval period. The Chapel of Sorrows, decorated by Antoni Viladomat with Baroque paintings depicting the Passion of Christ, is a highlight. Its imposing façade and interior, adorned with frescoes and sculptures, make it a heritage treasure of the city.

Historic shops of Mataró

A stroll through the center of Mataró is to discover century-old shops that have withstood the test of time. These establishments preserve their period facades and interiors, with wooden furniture, antique signs, and traditional products. These shops are living testaments to the city's commercial history and offer an authentic experience.

Casa Coll y Regàs de Mataró

A Modernist building designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and built in the late 19th century. Its ornate façade is full of sculptural details and floral elements typical of Modernism. Inside, mosaics, stained glass windows, and period furnishings are preserved, reflecting the wealth and refinement of Mataró's bourgeoisie of the time.

Caputxins Cemetery in Mataró

It is a monumental cemetery with mausoleums and funerary sculptures of great artistic value. A stroll through it allows you to learn about the history of Mataró through its illustrious figures and the tombs decorated with angels and religious symbols. It is a peaceful space that invites reflection and allows you to admire Catalan funerary art.

Mataró Wall

Built during the Middle Ages to protect the city from pirate attacks, some sections of the wall are still preserved and integrated into the urban fabric. These remains are a reminder of Mataró's fortified past and allow us to understand how the city evolved over the centuries. Strolling through the historic center, you can discover fragments of this wall, which are an essential part of the local heritage.

Port of Mataró

It is one of the largest marinas in the Maresme region, offering a wide range of dining and leisure activities. Besides being an ideal place for a stroll along the seafront, it hosts nautical activities such as sailing and diving. Its modern facilities blend seamlessly with Mataró's maritime heritage, offering spectacular views of the coastline and a lively atmosphere both day and night.

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