Discover Arenys de Munt: Culture and Nature

The terrain of Arenys de Munt is shaped by the last foothills of the coastal range before it reaches the sea; flat areas are rare.

Nature

La Riera is a sandy riverbed and a sandbank that forms the backbone of Arenys de Munt and is connected to a network of streams and ravines. Fondo de Can Rossell is a path cut approximately three metres into the ground that climbs from Panagall to Collsacreu in around 15 minutes. The natural surroundings of Arenys de Munt can be explored by bicycle.

The Ruta de las Masías is a circular route on which five farmhouses of great historical, architectural and cultural interest can be discovered. Along this route, you can see a variety of landscapes and agricultural areas, including the cherry trees of En Roca.

Wildlife

The permanent exhibition of the Jordi-Puigduví Collection in the Can Jalpí centre provides an insight into the representative birds of the Montnegre-i-el-Corredor mountain range and the Riera d’Arenys plain. The Jordi-Puigduví Collection comprises 150 nests and 1,500 eggs from different species. La Central in Can Jalpí offers information about the park, signposted self-guided paths, talks and exhibitions.

Culture

The church of Sant Martí d’Arenys was built in the 16th century and follows a late Gothic style with valuable Renaissance elements. Castell de Can Jalpí and its gardens were created between the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, after a nobleman had transformed the old manor house into a medieval castle.

At the end of the 19th century, Doña Sofía de Algorta y de Albaroa, the wife of Don August Borràs-Jalpí de Mercader, planted a sapling of the Arbre de Gernika in the gardens of Can Jalpí. The Santuari de Lourdes near the hamlet of Sobirans was built in 1924 as a replica of the Massabielle Grotto in Lourdes, France. The area around the Santuari de Lourdes includes a recreational area and opportunities for outdoor meals.

Traditions

The tradition of bobbin lace in Arenys de Munt has been documented since at least 1698. The Trobada de Puntaires takes place every year on the afternoon of 24 June at Plaça de l’Església.

The Pessebre Monumental is part of the tradition of Arenys de Munt and is a Christmas tradition there. The Pessebre Monumental is currently located inside the Masia de Can Borrell. Nit de Naps i Cols is the Arenys de Munt tradition held on the night of Epiphany. El Remei is the spring festival of Arenys de Munt.

Routes and Experiences

The publication Passejades a peu per Arenys de Munt presents 36 hiking routes through the natural surroundings of Arenys de Munt. The self-guided route “Descobreix Arenys de Munt amb Don Augusto” is a family experience that combines cultural heritage, history and play. It begins at La Central in Can Jalpí, ends at the Masia de Can Borrell and takes approximately 90 minutes.

La Marxa Popular Termes d'Arenys de Munt takes place on the first Sunday in October and is divided into three events. The Ruta de la Guerra de 1936 a 1939 in Arenys de Munt passes through ten named stations: Villa Josefa, Can Regàs, Escoles Nacionals (Ajuntament), Plaça Mercat, Escola Sant Martí, Carrer de Can Barbeta. Refugi, Casal de Can Jalpí, Sindicat Agrícola, Germanes Dominiques and Manufacturas Colomer (Grobelàstic).

Further destinations: Tavertet, Rupit, Viladellops, Igualada, Alella, Ca l'Avi, Taradell, Calaf

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