Matadepera: Nature and the Festes de Sant Sebastià

Among the defining features of Matadepera are Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac and the Festes de Sant Sebastià. The landscape, local history and festive rituals offer different ways to shape your stay.

Natural surroundings and trails around La Mola

Part of the municipality of Matadepera lies within Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac. Conglomerate formations predominate in the park; the section of the park in Matadepera is also protected as a Natura 2000 site. Here, you’ll encounter a landscape whose geological character and protected status both help define its natural environment.

The summit of La Mola can be reached via three main signposted routes: from Coll d’Estenalles, along the Camí dels Monjos, and via Can Robert and Can Pobla. The route from Can Robert and Can Pobla joins the Camí dels Monjos on its final stretch. There is no road access to the summit. If you’re planning to take one of these routes, check the trail conditions before setting off.

Another route description is available for the Ruta per la pedra seca in Matadepera: this short, leisurely circular walk passes through a shaded ravine below Collet de Mont-rodon, at an elevation of 618 metres. Along the way, it offers insight into both the natural surroundings and people’s former use of the landscape. While the three main signposted routes are the focus at La Mola, this walk is notable for its short length and interpretive character.

The Festes de Sant Sebastià

The Festes de Sant Sebastià are Matadepera’s most important winter festival. Preparations begin on 26 December with the selection of a pine tree, which has been one of the festival’s central elements since 1975. It is then carried to Plaça del Baldiró and set up there. On the Sunday closest to 20 January, the programme includes the Ball de l’Arbre, the Ball del Tortell, the giants’ dance and Sardanas. These dates and events give you a specific insight into how the tradition unfolds; individual festival programmes may change.

The Ball de l’Arbre is a circular dance open to everyone. It is performed during the Festes de Sant Sebastià around a pine tree set up in the middle of a square. The ritual makes the pine tree, which also plays a central role in the preparations, a recurring focal point of the celebration. The Tortell de Sant Sebastià provides a culinary connection: this traditional Matadepera pastry is made throughout the year and takes on special significance during the January festival.

Local history and traces of the past

The original church of Sant Joan de Matadepera, also known as Mata Xica, stood on the right bank of the Riera de les Arenes. It formed the original centre of a settlement with farmhouses scattered across the area. This settlement pattern differs from that of a town that grew around a densely built-up core: here, the church and scattered farmsteads mark the historic structure.

The area’s former economy is also part of its history. After viticulture, lime-kiln production became the town’s second most important economic resource. A tangible example of building craftsmanship is the Forn d’obra de Can Pobla, a brick or construction-brick kiln. It lies southeast of Can Pobla, on the left-hand side of the path that goes around the house towards Pla dels Escorpins.

The Cova del Frare offers further insights into the natural and cultural heritage. It is located in the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif, in the Canal de Can Pobla, and was formed by karst processes in Tertiary conglomerates. Access is difficult. On La Mola, a permanent exhibition explores the summit and the historic complex of the monastery of Sant Llorenç del Munt. Together, these topics add the geological origins and the history of the monastery complex to your understanding of the region.

Discover more destinations: San Celoni, Font-rubí, Berga, Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, Castellar Del Riu, Sant Cebrià De Vallalta, Puig-Reig, Súria

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.