Abrera: Nature, History and Winegrowing

On the edge of the Barcelona metropolitan area, the surroundings of the Llobregat River in Abrera form a reservoir of biodiversity. The Sant Hilari estate extends as far as the bed of the Llobregat. Sant Hilari is part of Natura 2000. The estate is also part of the Parc Rural del Montserrat and the ZEPA bird protection zone.

Nature

The natural surroundings of Abrera are designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). Surveys in Abrera recorded 161 bird species. The species recorded include resident, summer, wintering and migratory birds. The Zona natural de Can Morral comprises interconnected native woodlands. The area also includes riverside alluvial forests. Diverse herbaceous meadows are likewise part of the Zona natural de Can Morral.

As a result, several types of landscape coexist in Abrera: the bed of the Llobregat, riverside alluvial forests, native woodlands and herbaceous meadows.

History and Culture

The Romanesque church Església de Sant Pere d'Abrera was built around the 12th century. The area of Voltrera has been mentioned since as early as 996. Castell de Voltrera was first documented in 1027. The structural remains of Castell de Voltrera d'Abrera are situated on a 218-metre-high hill. From this hill, the remains offer views over the valleys of the Llobregat and the Anoia.

The historical references therefore range from the mention of Voltrera in 996 and the documentary record of the castle in 1027 to the Romanesque church dating from around the 12th century. At Castell de Voltrera, the historical record is combined with the surviving structural remains on the hill.

The archaeological site Les trinxeres de la Guerra Civil Espanyola was excavated and opened to the public. This was preceded by archaeological work in 2017 and 2018. The defensive complex covers approximately 4,500 square metres. It consists of several trench lines. It also includes four shelters and three foxholes.

The site is therefore described not only by its name and historical context, but also by its extent and individual components. Several trench lines, four shelters and three foxholes form part of the approximately 4,500-square-metre defensive complex.

El Caramell is an art installation in nature. It was built using dry-stone walling techniques in the area of the Torrent Gran.

Other Places

Other destinations include Gualba, Taradell, Palau-solità i Plegamans, Olèrdola, Sant Fost de Campsentelles, Artés, Mas Ram and Cabrera De Mar.

Trails and Winegrowing

The fourth stage of the Camí de Sant Jaume del Llobregat runs from Martorell via Abrera to Esparreguera. Can Morral del Molí, an agricultural operation for winegrowing and olive cultivation, is located between Abrera, Martorell and Ullastrell. The operation is managed organically. Guided wine-tourism visits of the vineyards are offered at Can Morral del Molí. These visits include wine tasting and food.

Winegrowing is thus combined with olive cultivation and organic farming. Can Morral del Molí lies between the three places mentioned and combines the agricultural operation with guided visits to the vineyards. This offering includes both wine tasting and food.

For the main travel overview: Barcelona.