Discover Santa Coloma De Cervelló

Santa Coloma de Cervelló combines a distinctive industrial history with Modernist architecture and several ways to explore the town on foot. Colònia Güell is at the heart of its cultural history: it was established in 1890, when Eusebi Güell moved the El Vapor Vell cotton textile factory from the Sants district to the Can Soler de la Torre estate in Santa Coloma de Cervelló. The complex includes a former textile factory, workers’ housing and a group of late-19th-century Modernist buildings.

Colònia Güell: industrial history and Gaudí

Colònia Güell has been protected as a historic complex of cultural interest since 1991. The Gaudí Crypt is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Works of Antoni Gaudí.” Only the entrance porch and lower nave of Gaudí’s planned church were built. Its architectural features include catenary arches and hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces in the walls, vaults and ribs of the porch. Tours of the Modernist complex and church are organized from the Centre d'Interpretació i Acollida de la Colònia Güell.

The history of the industrial site also offers a distinct perspective on the development of the colony. From the outset, the factory was powered by steam; the energy of the nearby Llobregat was never harnessed for hydropower. The river and its industrial use therefore belong to two different chapters of local history.

Circular walks and viewpoints

Route 3 is a 2.2-kilometre circular walking route with a low level of difficulty. It passes through the Cripta Antoni Gaudí, the Modernist residential complex and the industrial area of Colònia Güell. This loop focuses primarily on the built and historical sides of the town. The Sender del Parc dels Cirerers is the longer of the two circular walks described, at five kilometres. It has an elevation gain of 120 metres and is also rated as an easy route; it takes about one hour and 30 minutes. The route is suitable for hiking and mountain biking.

Another way to experience the landscape is the Sender de la Font de l'Artiga i la Roca Dreta. It leads to Montpedrós, at 350 metres, the highest peak in the municipality, and offers views over the lower Llobregat valley and the Garraf-Ordal Massif. Torre Salbana offers a different view of the region: it stands on a rocky outcrop near the rectory and overlooks much of Baix Llobregat. The alluvial plain formed by the Llobregat in Santa Coloma de Cervelló is part of the Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat.

Festivals and local calendar

Several recurring events take place throughout the year. The Aplec de Sant Antoni is held at the Ermita de Sant Antoni every year on the last weekend of April. The Festa de la Cirera is celebrated each year on the last weekend of May, around cherry season. Check the dates for the year of your trip if you’d like to plan your visit around one of these festivals.

In mid-October, the Festa del Modernisme takes place in Colònia Güell. Residents wear historical clothing and recreate the atmosphere and events of the colony’s early years at the beginning of the 20th century. The “km 0” Mercat de Pagès is another regular event: it takes place every Saturday in Colònia Güell. Check the current market and events schedule before visiting.

Getting there by train

Santa Coloma de Cervelló has two FGC train stations: one in Santa Coloma de Cervelló and another in Colònia Güell. Colònia Güell station is served by FGC lines S3, S4, S8 and S9; the journey from Plaça Espanya in Barcelona takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling. This will help you coordinate your journey with planned walks, visits or event dates.

Discover more destinations: Tagamanent, Capellades, La Floresta, Bagá, Collsacreu, Castellví De La Marca, Fals, La Beguda Alta

For the main travel overview: Barcelona.