Olesa De Bonesvalls: Nature and Architectural History

Olesa De Bonesvalls offers two themes to explore when planning a trip: landscape and architectural history. Geological formations, vegetation and historic architecture offer different points of interest. Which of these shapes your trip most depends on whether you are mainly interested in nature or in the development of individual buildings.

Landscape and geology

Part of the municipality of Olesa De Bonesvalls lies within Parc del Garraf. Pont Natural de l'Arcada is a rock arch dating from the Cretaceous period. It is about four metres high and about seven metres wide. These approximate measurements help convey the scale of the formation. Plants found in the surrounding area include holm oaks, Aleppo pines, asparagus plants, blackberries and wild olive trees.

Avenc de l'Esquerrà lies within Parc del Garraf and also within the municipality of Olesa De Bonesvalls. It is considered the deepest cave in the Massís del Garraf. At Pont Natural de l'Arcada, the focus is on the rock formation, its dimensions and its geological age; for Avenc, its location in the park and its place within the Massís are key aspects. These are two distinct geological topics.

Buildings and history

Hospital de Cervelló is a walled complex comprising the hospital building, a tower, the chapel of Santa Maria de l'Anunciata, as well as other extensions and outbuildings. It is a building from the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic periods; it was extensively remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its architectural classification and later alterations describe different stages in its history.

Hospital de Cervelló was founded in 1262 by Guillem de Cervelló to accommodate pilgrims travelling along the old road from Barcelona to Vilafranca del Penedès. Its historical purpose is therefore also part of the story: welcoming pilgrims on this route.

Església de Sant Joan in Olesa De Bonesvalls is a Neoclassical church dating from 1777, with origins that go back to the Romanesque period. It was mentioned in a parish document in 1183. The two dates serve different purposes: 1183 marks its documented mention, while 1777 dates the Neoclassical church. This distinction separates its earlier origins, written record and architectural classification.

Inside the Església are a Baroque altarpiece and predominantly Neoclassical altarpieces. Different styles thus come together within a single building.

Visits and visitor information

The Punt d'Informació Turística d'Olesa de Bonesvalls is located at Plaça de la Creu d'Olesa. Visits to Hospital de Cervelló and the Centre de Documentació i Interpretació d'Espeleologia can be booked and arranged there. If you are planning to visit either of these two destinations, you can contact the information point to make arrangements.

The Grup de Recerca Olesa Rural organises monthly outings to explore the area and the heritage of Olesa De Bonesvalls. Its focus therefore extends beyond a single building: the area and its heritage are explored together.

When planning your trip, there is a clear choice to make: geology and vegetation offer a different focus from the history of the church and hospital complex. The monthly outings, in turn, focus on exploring the area and its heritage.

Discover more destinations: Castellolí, Pontóns, Carme, Montseny, Sant Salvador De Guardiola, Montclar, Perafita, Avinyonet Del Penedès

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.