Granollers: City History and Nature Trails

Granollers offers different ways to shape a stay: the history of the medieval town, places of remembrance, and routes along the Congost, as well as trails through municipal natural areas. If you are planning a hotel stay in Granollers, you can plan your day around these highlights. In the historic centre, L’Adoberia dels Ginebreda tannery and an audio-guided route are among the main attractions; beyond the centre, several routes lead through river and natural landscapes.

City History and Places of Remembrance

L’Adoberia dels Ginebreda is an archaeological site and historical interpretation centre dedicated to medieval Granollers. It preserves a section of the city wall, the remains of two defensive towers, and the only tannery in Granollers to have survived. These features give the site a tangible connection to the town’s history rather than presenting it only in general terms.

The lower part of the tannery is called the “ribera”. It contains a well and a hearth, as well as pits and vats used for soaking, bleaching, and tanning leather. These processes help visitors understand the individual vats and pits as parts of the former leatherworking process. Anyone particularly interested in historic crafts will find a distinct focus here within Granollers’ history.

La Porxada is classified as a Cultural Asset of National Interest (Bien Cultural de Interés Nacional). The “Granollers Bombardeado” route offers another glimpse into the town’s past and includes a visit to one of the air-raid shelters built in 1938. Since access arrangements for the shelter may change, it is advisable to check them before planning your visit.

The Fira d’artesans del Vallès adds another distinct feature: local artisan producers present their work at this small fair. It takes place on one Saturday each month on Carrer Anselm Clavé, except in August and September. If you want to plan your visit around the fair, check the latest dates in advance.

Routes Along the Congost and Through Natural Areas

The Mira el Congost route follows the river as it passes through Granollers, from the Riera del Carbonell to Can Cabanyes. Its focus is on river habitats and their biodiversity. The Volta al terme de Granollers takes a different approach: it connects the Serra de Ponent, the Can Cabanyes woodland, the Serra de Llevant, and the town centre via municipal natural areas. The main difference between the routes is whether they focus on the river landscape or several named areas.

La ruta de l’aigua passes through the rural area of Palou and includes the Can Cabanyes natural area. Another route combines views from Puig de les Forques with a visit to Torre Pinós. At the del Pedró rest area, a viewpoint looks out over the town of Granollers, the Congost, Mogent, and Besòs valleys, the Vallès Plain, and the surrounding mountains. Together, these places show different landscape features of the area, without all the routes following the same course or having the same focus.

Along the Congost, the riverside promenade offers opportunities for walking, observing flora and fauna, running, cycling, and other sports. It adds another way to experience the river landscape alongside the designated routes. When planning your day, you can choose between a route with named stops, a focus on river habitats, and activities along the riverside promenade.

Audio Guide, Museum, and Practical Planning

The free audio-guided route through the historic centre introduces visitors to some of Granollers’ history and heritage. It is 1.2 kilometres long and takes 45 minutes. As these route details may change, it is worth checking the latest information before setting out. Also check whether the associated app is available.

At the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Granollers, the permanent exhibition includes a darkened cave with information about bats. There is also a permanent exhibition about invertebrates from marine and terrestrial habitats. The museum’s offering therefore brings together two clearly defined themes: bats and the diversity of invertebrates from different habitats.

Granollers has an extensive network of urban and interurban bus routes. If you plan to take a bus for a particular journey, check the latest route and timetable information. This will help you fit visits to the town’s history, exhibitions, or various routes into your stay.

Discover more destinations: Olvan, La Batllòria, Mas Ram, Piera, Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Tona, Sant Joan De Vilatorrada, Gaià.

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.