Vilanova del Vallès

The municipality of Vilanova del Vallès was formed in 1984 by the segregation of part of the territories of Montornès and La Roca del Vallès, to which the town formerly called Vilanova de la Roca belonged.

The urban settlement (urban nucleus) of Vilanova del Vallès has occurred from its location at the crossroads formed by the Masnou - Granollers road and the Sant Adrià de Besòs - La Roca del Vallés road, in addition to its proximity to the Mogent river.

Agriculture and livestock farming have been the initial activities of this population center, taking advantage of the areas near the river for the orchard and the rest for the cultivation of cereals.

The industrialization process of the country that occurred in the late fifties and early sixties, the construction of the highway, the growth of urbanizations during the sixties and the migratory flows produced in the Spanish State, together with the avalanche of second homes promoted by the population of Barcelona, have changed the population structure of the core.

The Mogent River divides the municipality of Vilanova del Vallès into two geologically very different parts. Its course coincides with the fault that runs northeast to southwest, defining the Vallès depression.

HISTORY

Between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago, at the end of the Upper Paleolithic and the beginning of the Neolithic, there were already humans in these regions around the Céllecs mountain, which today is partly within the municipality of Vilanova del Vallès.

This is confirmed by the prehistoric remains found such as the Dolmen of Can Gol, the Rock of the Swallows (with cave paintings), the Caves of Can Nadal, the covered Gallery of Can Gol and a whole set of small lithic tools: flint axes and sockets.

Vilanova del Vallès was an independent municipality during the three-year Republican period between 1936 and 1939. Previously, it belonged to the neighboring municipalities of La Roca del Vallès and Montornès del Vallès. Unfortunately, this municipal independence ended on July 8, 1939, when a resolution from the Ministry of the Interior in Madrid annulled all the rulings passed by the Generalitat of Catalonia during that time. The last plenary session was held on June 15, 1939.

After a long process, Vilanova del Vallès regained its municipal independence following a Decree approved by the Generalitat of Catalonia on December 6, 1983. The City Council was established on February 12, 1984.

Places of interest

The Mogente River

A key natural feature of the municipality, the Mogent River flows through Vilanova del Vallès and has been fundamental to the agricultural and human development of the area. Its surroundings offer ideal spaces for peaceful walks, observing flora and fauna, and connecting with nature. Furthermore, its course marks a clear geological division within the municipality.

Natural surroundings of Céllecs

The Céllecs mountain and its surroundings form part of a natural area of great scenic and historical value. It is a popular area for hiking and nature lovers, with trails that wind through Mediterranean forests. It also contains some of the most important prehistoric remains in the municipality.

Swallow Rock

One of the most unique archaeological sites in the area, with prehistoric cave paintings that attest to the presence of humans in the region for millennia. This site allows visitors to connect with the earliest origins of human occupation in the Vallès region. It is a space of great cultural and heritage interest.

Dolmen of Can Gol

Megalithic remains provide evidence of human presence during the Neolithic period. The dolmen is a clear example of the first agricultural communities that inhabited the area. The visit offers a deeper understanding of funerary rituals and the social organization of prehistory.

Can Nadal Caves

A network of caves used by the area's first inhabitants as shelters and spaces for human activity. These caves form part of the municipality's rich archaeological heritage. They are a particularly attractive point of interest for lovers of ancient history.

Can Gol Covered Gallery

This prehistoric structure is linked to ancient human settlements in the area. It provides valuable information about the daily life and construction techniques of the first inhabitants and complements the municipality's already significant archaeological site.

Urban area of Vilanova del Vallès

The town center has historically developed as a crossroads, which explains its layout and growth. Today, it combines quiet residential areas with service areas and amenities. It is an example of a town that has grown while maintaining a human scale and quality of life.

Traditional agricultural areas

The fields near the Mogent River have historically been used for market gardening, while other areas have been dedicated to cereal cultivation. This agricultural landscape is an integral part of the municipality's identity. A walk through these fields allows one to understand the relationship between the town and the land.

Historic and rural roads

The network of paths that crisscross the municipality reflects its origins as a thoroughfare between neighboring towns. These routes are ideal for hiking or cycling. They allow you to discover the area at a leisurely pace and connect towns and natural spaces.

Spaces of historical memory

Vilanova del Vallès has a unique history linked to its municipal independence, which it definitively regained in 1984. Several sites and documents commemorate this long and significant process. It is a municipality with a recent but deeply rooted identity.

Natural environment of Vallès Oriental

The municipality is situated in a privileged natural environment, halfway between the coast and the interior. The combination of river, forests, and fields creates a varied and balanced landscape. It's an ideal setting for outdoor activities and enjoying nature without straying far from major urban centers.