Santa Margarida de Montbui between heritage and landscape
Accommodation in Santa Margarida de Montbui
You can plan your stay around local history, nature, or a combination of both.
Heritage at La Tossa and in the town centre
The Church of Santa Maria de la Tossa is a 10th-century building. Its recorded history dates back to 987; the reconstruction was consecrated in 1032. La Tossa de Montbui rises to 626 metres. Its summit is home to a heritage complex dating from the 10th and 11th centuries, comprising the Church of Santa Maria de GrĂ cia, castle ruins and a tower. The tower is rectangular with rounded corners, dates from the 10th century, and formed part of a larger territorial castle complex.
Archaeological traces also point to different periods and locations. Remains of an Iberian settlement can be found in the La Tossa massif. In the historic town centre are the remains of a Roman rural villa with a hypocaust heating system. These two connections can therefore be distinguished both by period and by location.
The Palau dels Comptes de Plasencia is protected as a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Its history dates back to the 12th century; the palace represents almost 800 years of local heritage. Historically, it was the political and economic centre of the Counts of Plasencia and the Barons of Montbui.
Churches and mills
The Church of Santa Margarida makes its own architectural statement. The Baroque building features Renaissance elements and a distinctive bell tower. Inside are a star-vaulted presbytery and the mausoleum of the Counts of Plasencia.
The mills of Can Planell offer a comparison of their different historical contexts. The MolĂ de dalt de Can Planell is a grain mill dating from the 18th to 19th centuries. Its structure was reconstructed and put back into operation for educational purposes. The MolĂ de baix de Can Planell is a restored grain mill of medieval origin and is described as unique in Catalonia. Thus, a mill dating from the 18th to 19th centuries stands alongside one of medieval origin; the educational use of the MolĂ de dalt is also noted.
Landscape and views
Part of the protected Serra de Miralles-Queralt PEIN area lies within the municipality. Badland formations cover a considerable part of Santa Margarida de Montbui. In the exposed calcareous conglomerates, the terrain is shaped by features including Fous, waterfalls, cliffs and caves. The Mirador del Salt de la Donzella offers views across the Conca d’Òdena. On a clear day, the view extends towards CadĂ, Port del Comte, Pedraforca and Montserrat.
Planning your visit and getting there
An exhibition about Calliderma Atagensis has been on display at La Tossa since July 2023. It focuses on an approximately 38-million-year-old Eocene starfish fossil with a skeleton made up of 580 pieces. Visits are possible by prior appointment and on Sundays from 12 noon to 2 pm. Check these visiting arrangements before you travel.
Santa Margarida de Montbui is accessible via the A-2 and the Ronda Sud; from the direction of Tarragona, the C-37 offers the fastest route. Hispano Igualadina operates bus services from some nearby towns to the municipality. Check the current bus timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Tavèrnoles, Cantallops, Lavit, Barcelona, Sant Boi De Lluçanès, Molins De Rei, Viladecans, Arenys De Munt.
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