Castellterçol: Textile History, Festivals and Landscapes

Castellterçol presents its history particularly vividly in the historic Carrers de la llana district. It reflects the town’s significant growth in the 17th century, which resulted from textile production and the manufacture of natural ice. Characteristic buildings and streets preserve a distinctive style there. Another specific connection to textile history is Can Nubiola, also known as El Tint: the building was used to dye the textiles produced in Castellterçol.

Culture and History

The earlier history of the local lordship is also visible in Castellterçol. The surviving remains of the old Castell-Terçol include a moat, sections of the fortification walls with loopholes, and the remains of the former lordly residences. The Casa Museu Prat de la Riba is located in the house where Enric Prat de la Riba (1870–1917) was born and died.

Guided tours of Castell de Castellterçol are listed for the last Sunday in February, the last Saturday in July and the second Sunday in October. As the tours are time-specific, it is best to plan them by checking the current dates and times in advance.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The Festa Major de Castellterçol is associated with two ceremonial dances: the Dansa de Castellterçol and the Ball del Ciri. Both dances have been documented since the second half of the 17th century. The Dansa is scheduled for the last Sunday in August, and the Ball del Ciri for the following Monday; six dancing couples are planned for each of the two dances.

A culinary tradition takes place on Shrove Tuesday: the L'Escudella de Castellterçol festival is held on that day. Around thirty cauldrons of Escudella are cooked and distributed to residents and visitors. For festivals held on a fixed calendar date, it is advisable to check the event date again before travelling.

Hiking and Landscapes

The 109.68-kilometre GR-177 long-distance trail, the circular route of Moianès, passes through the municipality of Castellterçol on stages 3 and 4. This means that a route designed for several days complements the shorter scenic destinations in the surrounding area.

The ruins of Molí de Brotons are located in the vicinity of Castellterçol. The summit of Serrat de les Pedres is also nearby. The surroundings of Castellterçol also include the Cova del Toll cave, the Monestir de Sant Miquel del Fai monastery, the Museu Thermalia museum and the Santmartì, Macarrone, fideos museum. The nearby area also includes the summits of Puigsagordi and Puig Fred.

La Creueta is a viewpoint in Castellterçol. Next to the cross, a path begins that leads in five minutes to a hill above it with a 365-degree panorama and one of the best views of the town. When hiking or using trails, current trail and route conditions should be checked before setting out.

Other destinations: La Roca del Vallès, Talamanca, Castellfollit Del Boix, Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, Veciana, Corró d'Avall, La Ràpita and Pacs Del Penedès.

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.