Montornès Del Vallès: History and River Landscape

In Montornès del Vallès, you can plan your trip around a range of themes: archaeological settlements, historic buildings, river landscapes or marked routes. The sites date from Roman and Iberian settlements to medieval fortifications and farmhouses.

Archaeological Traces and Medieval History

Mons Observans was established as a Roman settlement in the last third of the 2nd century BC. Since 2008, the site has been classified as a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN) in the archaeological zone category. The Poblat ibèric is classified as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest (BCIL). In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, it extended over a large part of the hill’s slopes. Both sites offer a way to explore different periods in the area’s early settlement history.

The Castell de Sant Miquel tells a different story: the medieval fortification was first mentioned in writing in 1109. Only half of the round keep remains. The circular route from Montornès to the castle is 5 km long; allow three hours and an ascent of 344 metres. Check the route markers and conditions before setting out. Motor vehicles are not permitted at either of the two access points to Mons Observans—take this restriction into account when planning your visit.

Building History and Local Life

Historic farmhouses also reflect the area’s long development. Can Masferrer was originally a Roman villa and later an important medieval farmhouse. It is considered the area’s most important Renaissance building; its carved stone windows and the portal of the small Sant Jaume chapel are particularly noteworthy. Can Bosquerons is documented from 970, making it the first house in Montornès for which historical evidence exists. The present farmhouse dates mainly from the 16th century.

The Antigues Escoles bring together architectural and educational history. The architect Magí Rius designed the building in 1884; it opened in 1930. The rectangular Neoclassical building is crowned above its hipped roof by a separate triangular pediment in the central section. Until 1964, it was Montornès’s only school. Ca l'Ametller is also a farmhouse with a basilica-style floor plan; a raised coat of arms of Catalonia is located above its round-arched main door.

At Parc dels Castanyers, a public green space adds another dimension to the area’s history. The park was once the private garden of the Can Parera manor house and opened to the public on 11 May 1986. A promenade lined with horse chestnut trees, flower beds, stone benches, a paved square and a small pond shape its design. In 1993, contemporary sculptures from the ninth edition of the annual Mont-Art exhibition were installed there.

River Landscapes and Planning Your Visits

The Besòs begins within the municipality, where the Congost and Mogent meet. Significant riverside forests lie along the river at Santa Caterina and near Can Bosquerons de Baix. The Riu Mogent also preserves remarkable biological diversity. Montornès also has a riverside route where you can experience the vegetation along the banks, as well as walking trails. Alongside historic buildings, landscapes and routes offer their own themes for planning your trip.

The Torre del Telègraf has a special visiting requirement: visits must be arranged in advance. Check beforehand whether an appointment is currently available. The Refugi antiaeri de Ca l'Arnau is almost 100 metres long, 15 metres deep at its far end and can accommodate 200 people. Guided, dramatized tours of the air-raid shelter take place several times a year; school and group visits can be arranged by appointment. Check the specific dates in advance.

The events calendar may also be useful when planning your trip. The Festes de Tardor are a highlight of Montornès’s events every November and are held in honour of the town’s patron saint, Sant Sadurní. The programme may vary, so it is worth checking the dates for your planned stay. Whether you focus on architectural history, riverside routes or events, these themes give you a clear starting point for your search for a hotel in Montornès del Vallès.

Discover more destinations: Rubió, Esparreguera, Sant Mateu De Bages, Tiana, El Vallès Oriental, Gurb, Arenys De Mar, Cardona.

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.