Olvan: Building History, Pont d'Orniu and Routes

When planning a stay in Olvan, you can focus on three themes: church and building history, routes through the surrounding area, and festivals and market events. If you are looking for a hotel, this structure can help you first decide the purpose of your trip and identify the places and dates that interest you.

Churches from Different Periods

Santa Maria de Valldaura is a small Romanesque church dating from the 13th century and is included in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia. It is the only surviving architectural remnant of the monastery. This building therefore brings together its historical period and its connection to the monastery’s history.

Another historical marker in Olvan’s church history is the first church of Olvan Castle. Bishop Nantígís of La Seu d'Urgell consecrated it in 899. It was granted parish church status, which it retains to this day. Two distinct historical references therefore stand side by side: the consecration of the castle church is recorded as having taken place in 899, while Santa Maria de Valldaura dates from the 13th century.

Pont d'Orniu and Its History

Pont d'Orniu is located in Colònia Rosal, in the Llobregat riverbed. To see the bridge, take the path from Colònia Rosal towards Lledó d'Obiols. The location and directions give you a specific point of reference if you would like to include the bridge in your travel plans.

The bridge’s history includes an earlier predecessor that was destroyed during the War of the Spanish Succession, from 1702 to 1714. Pont d'Orniu was probably built in the mid-18th century, shortly after the war ended. The date is therefore an approximate historical estimate, not an exact year of construction. Alongside its church buildings, the bridge offers another glimpse into Olvan’s history, connected with the consequences of the war and the later construction of the bridge.

Routes on Foot, by Bike or on Horseback

The area around Olvan offers numerous routes on foot, by bike or on horseback that showcase the municipality’s 100 farmhouses. These different ways of getting around offer a chance to discover this local feature. To plan your visit, you could first consider whether you would prefer to explore Olvan’s surroundings on foot, by bike or on horseback.

One specifically named option is Ronda d'Olvan: an easy route along paths and trails that offers a different view of the immediate surroundings of Olvan. The route from Sagàs to Gironella also passes through the municipality. The section in Olvan is certified by the Federació d'Entitats Excursionistes de Catalunya (FEEC) and marked as a long-distance trail with horizontal white and red stripes.

This information offers different points of reference for planning your walks: Ronda d'Olvan is described as an easy route; for the Sagàs–Gironella section, the focus is on its certification and marking as a long-distance trail. The many routes in the surrounding area, meanwhile, include the 100 farmhouses and can be enjoyed on foot, by bike or on horseback.

Festivals and the Market in the Events Calendar

Festa Major d'Olvan is one of the most important celebrations of the year in Olvan. The municipality’s calendar of festivals and events also lists the Mercat del Bolet de Cal Rosal. This means you can include both an important local celebration and a named market in your travel plans. If you would like to plan your stay around one of these events, check the current dates before making your arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Collsuspina, Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, Castellbell I El Vilar, Cantallops, Sant Joan Samora, Pacs Del Penedès, Sant Pau de la Guàrdia, Mollet Del Vallès.

For the wider travel overview: Barcelona.