Santa Maria d'Oló

Santa Maria d'Oló, north of Moianès, is surrounded by a spectacular landscape of fields and forests. The original village center sits at an altitude of 542 meters. This center formed on the hill around the old castle and the church of Santa Maria, and today has expanded to include the suburbs of Rovirola and Santa Eulàlia.

The first references to Oló appear in a completely occasional way in two documents that talk about the endowment of the cathedral of Vic, in the years 889 and 890. Until the middle of the 10th century the term d'Oló was located within the county of Osona, and half a century onwards it was already in the county of Manresa.

Documents from 1931 are preserved that refer to the Castle of Oló, a medieval construction from the 12th or 13th century, built on the top of the hill at an altitude of 546 m, around which the first population centre of Santa Maria d'Oló originated.

Next to the castle of Oló built on the hill, a Romanesque church was built and, most likely, in the Sagrera of the church, protected by the castle, houses began to be built, hinting at what the town of Oló would be centuries later.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Santa Maria d'Oló experienced a population growth, which is explained by the development of textile activities related to wool and its protagonists: woollen workers and weavers.

Dotted with small Romanesque churches and hermitages, Santa Maria d'Oló offers a peaceful stroll of reconnection. The stone huts are the legacy of a deep rural tradition, fundamentally linked to the wool and vineyard economy until the phylloxera crisis.

The modernist heritage stands out (with works by Puig i Cadafalc, Eduard Balcells and Ignasi Mas Morell) and the Baroque legacy, such as the altarpiece preserved in perfect condition in the church above the town or in Sant Joan d'Oló where three magnificent Baroque altarpieces are preserved, a unique and very beautiful collection.

Places of interest

The churches - Baroque art route

The Old Church of Santa Maria is a notable example of Baroque art in the region. Built in the 18th century, this church features imposing architecture with ornamental details typical of the period. Its austere façade contrasts with the rich decoration of the interior, where you can admire altarpieces and frescoes of high artistic value.

This church is part of the municipality's Baroque route, which allows visitors to delve into this distinctive artistic style.

The churches - Romanesque art route

For lovers of Romanesque art, Santa Maria d'Oló offers a route that includes several churches from this period. The Church of Sant Feliuet de Terrassola stands out, an 11th-century building that preserves original architectural elements, such as its semicircular apses and single nave.

This route allows visitors to discover the simplicity and spirituality that characterize the Romanesque art of the area.

The churches - The modern church of Oló

The New Church of Santa Maria, built between 1950 and 1963, represents a fusion of tradition and modernity. This church stands out for its contemporary architecture, with simple lines and a functional structure that adapts to today's liturgical needs.

Its construction responded to the population increase in the municipality and the need for a larger space for the parish community.

Other notable churches

The municipality has other interesting churches, such as the Church of Sant Jaume de Vilanova, a small circular building from the 11th century, considered an architectural gem due to its uniqueness. Also worth mentioning is the Church of San Vicente de Vilarassau, which has a bell gable characteristic of rural Catalan churches.

Oló Castle

Perched in the old town, Oló Castle is a medieval fortification documented since 931. Although only fragments of the keep and some sections of the wall remain today, these remains bear witness to its historical importance in defending the area.

Modernist architecture

Santa Maria d'Oló also features examples of Modernist architecture, particularly evident in some of the houses in the town center. These buildings are characterized by their use of traditional materials combined with decorative elements characteristic of Catalan Modernism, such as rounded shapes, floral motifs, and glazed ceramics.

The Ecomuseum

The Santa Maria d'Oló Ecomuseum is a space dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the municipality's cultural and natural heritage. It offers exhibitions and activities that allow visitors to learn about local history, traditions, crafts, and the community's relationship with the natural environment.

The vineyard huts

Scattered throughout the fields and vineyards of the municipality, vineyard huts are dry stone constructions that traditionally served as shelter for peasants during their work days in the fields. These structures, built without mortar, are examples of folk architecture and form part of the region's ethnological heritage.