Vilanova De Sau: Reservoir, Heritage and Landscape

The Pantà de Sau has permanently changed the landscape of the Vall de Sau. At the same time, buildings, a Romanesque art route and recurring events offer other perspectives on Vilanova De Sau. Deciding which of these you would like to explore further can give your travel planning a clear direction.

Reservoir, Sant Romà and the cliffs

The Pantà de Sau opened in 1962 and has changed the landscape of the Vall de Sau ever since. The former village of Sant Romà disappeared beneath the reservoir; only its bell tower occasionally rises above the water. In the recreational area by the Pantà de Sau, an exceptional viewpoint offers a view of the bell tower rising from the water. In this way, the changing landscape and a visible reminder of the former village stand side by side. The cliffs of Vilanova De Sau are among the best-known cliffs in the Guilleries-Savassona natural area. They form another landscape feature alongside the surroundings transformed by the reservoir.

Buildings and cultural connections

Pont de Malafogassa spans the Riera Major and is part of the former royal road from Vic to Girona. It was built around 1498 and is classified as a BCIL, meaning a locally protected cultural asset. The bridge thus brings together building history, a historic route and its protected status.

Santa Maria de Vilanova is the parish church on the southeastern edge of the inhabited town centre. It offers a different point of reference from the bridge: here, the focus is on its role as a parish church and its location at the edge of the town centre. The Camí Oliba, a Romanesque art route, passes through the municipality of Vilanova De Sau. Alongside individual buildings, this adds a route whose theme is Romanesque art.

The Fira d'herbes remeieres i productes artesans may also be relevant to your travel dates. It takes place every year at the end of spring, usually in June. Exact dates may vary, so plan your trip around the event date for that year.

Recreational area and getting there

The recreational area by the Pantà de Sau is accessible by motor vehicle. Its picnic tables and toilet facilities are adapted for people with reduced mobility. If these adaptations are important to your plans, confirm their condition before your visit. A signposted hiking trail to the Domus del Pi also begins at the recreational area. Check the trail conditions on site before including it in your plans.

You can reach Vilanova De Sau by car via the C-25: take exit 187 towards the N-141D, then follow the signs.

Planning your stay around your interests

For your travel planning, you can compare different points of focus: the Pantà de Sau represents the changing landscape; Pont de Malafogassa and Santa Maria de Vilanova offer different architectural and local connections; and the Camí Oliba showcases Romanesque art. The Fira provides a seasonal date to plan around. Once you have decided how to prioritise these themes for your stay, look for hotels in Vilanova De Sau and compare specific offers for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Piera, Castelldefels, Súria, Badalona, Olèrdola, Santpedor, L'Alt Penedès, Sant Quirze De Besora

For the main travel overview: Barcelona.