Sant Sadurní d'Anoia
The municipality of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia is located in the Alt Penedès region and includes the villages of Can Benet de la Prua, Can Catassús, Espillos, and Monistrol de Anoia. Situated inland but close to the coast, it is surrounded by a magnificent natural environment of vineyards, just 45 kilometers from Barcelona and 60 from Tarragona, making it an almost obligatory stop for anyone traveling north-south through Catalonia.
The landscape of vineyards and cellars are the main attractions of the municipality, present in all aspects of life: architecture, industry, and cultural activities. Indeed, overcoming the phylloxera plague at the end of the 19th century, and the combination of progress and craftsmanship in the production of sparkling wines, have made Sant Sadurní the sparkling wine capital.
A stroll through Sant Sadurní reveals the architectural gems left behind by the Cava industry throughout its history. Representative buildings of Catalan Modernism and works by the greatest artists of the time transformed the Cava distilleries into living museums, now open to the public with a diverse range of activities. At the Cava Centre, in the heart of the town, visitors can discover the history and emotions that Cava evokes.
In the heart of the town, and beyond the cava, Sant Sadurní boasts a rich collection of Modernist and Eclectic civil architecture. The parish church stands out, with its imposing and valuable Gothic bell tower, which has become one of the town 's most iconic symbols. Other notable buildings include the old hospital, the Town Hall, the Carlist tower of the Font del Mingo fountain, and buildings such as Can Rigol and Cal Calixtus. The Simón Coll chocolate factory, whose aroma fills the streets, is also worth exploring, particularly its visitor center, Espai Chocolate, which showcases the chocolate-making process.
One of the great gems is located on the outskirts of Sant Sadurní: the pre-Romanesque hermitage of Sant Benito de Espiells, dating from the 10th century, or the Miranda de Espiells. If there's an ideal time of year to visit Sant Sadurní, it's late summer, when the grape harvest, which fills roads and wineries with tractors, culminates in the Sant Sadurní Fairs and the Phylloxera Festival, from September 6th to 8th; or in October, when Cavatast and Cava Week offer a wide range of wine tourism experiences centered around the culture of Cava.
And if you want to disconnect, Sant Sadurní offers many possibilities for great walks, whether around the Can Codorniu lake, following the Cava Capital Trails, which the City Council, with the collaboration of the Barcelona Provincial Council, has designed and marked with the aim of getting to know the natural environment, the town and its municipality.
Whether you've never visited us before or want to rediscover us, we invite you to come and experience Sant Sadurní and enjoy the experiences that the Cava culture has to offer: tastings, sessions, walks through vineyards, courses, adventures... Get ready, glass in hand, to experience Sant Sadurní d'Anoia!
Places of interest
Cava Center
The Cava Interpretation Centre is located in the heart of the town. It allows visitors to discover the history, production process, and cultural and economic importance of Cava in the region. It's the ideal starting point to understand why the town is known as the Cava Capital.
Pre-Romanesque hermitage of San Benito de Espiells
A small, pre-Romanesque church situated in a privileged rural setting, surrounded by vineyards. It is one of the oldest surviving examples of the municipality's religious heritage. Its architectural simplicity and location make it a truly charming place.
Parish Church of San Sadurní
The parish church stands at the heart of the town's historic center. Built in the Neoclassical style with later renovations, it is one of the municipality's most iconic buildings. Its presence is central to the religious and social life of the town.
Can Zorro's Fascination
A former 19th-century distillery converted into a museum. It houses the Cava Centre and preserves original production elements. A testament to the winemaking and industrial tradition of Sant Sadurní.
Carlist Tower of the Mingo Fountain
Remains of a defensive tower linked to the Carlist Wars of the 19th century. Located in a natural setting, it serves as a reminder of the area's warlike past. It is a unique element of the local historical heritage.
Chapel of the old Hospital
A small chapel linked to the town's former medieval hospital. It forms part of the urban historical heritage and reflects the importance of healthcare that the town held in other eras. It retains its traditional architectural essence.
Codorniu Cava
One of the country's most emblematic wineries and an international benchmark for Cava. The modernist complex, designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, is a listed Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN). Its underground cellars and vineyards form part of Catalonia's industrial heritage.
Church Square
The central square of the historic center and a hub of social life in the town. Surrounded by historic buildings, it is the site of many festivals and celebrations. It is an ideal place to experience the daily atmosphere of the town.