Sant Pere de Riudebitlles: Cultural Heritage and River Landscape

In Sant Pere de Riudebitlles, the Pont Nou is an aqueduct spanning the Torrent d'en Guilló. The Sèquia Comunal, also known as the Rec de Dalt or Rec de la Vila, runs through it and supplies the mills of the Vila as well as the gardens in the town area.

Culture and Waterways

The middle section of the Pont Nou was rebuilt after a collapse in the 17th and 18th centuries. During restoration work in 1987, some parts of the aqueduct could be dated as remnants from the 12th century. Every year on the first Sunday in May, the Aplec del Pont Nou takes place at the Pont Nou as a Sardana gathering and popular festival.

The Ruta del Patrimoni is a circular route to the most significant cultural heritage sites of Sant Pere de Riudebitlles. El Camí del Riu runs upstream along the riverbank, begins at the bridge in the Barri de l'Altra Banda, and leads via the Font dels Quadres, the Parc dels Plàtans d'en Soler, the weir of the Rec de les Hortes and the Fàbrica del Valls to the Pèlag Bullidor and the Torrent de Barquies. Along the route there are various canals, springs and weirs with diverse flora and fauna. El Camí del Riu can be explored on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, allowing visitors to get to know the river landscape.

Town Centre and History

The Carrer Major divides the Barri Vell of Sant Pere de Riudebitlles. The Església Parroquial de Sant Pere has Romanesque origins. The Casal dels Marquesos de Llió is a municipal civic building in the Gothic style dating from the 14th century and now houses the Biblioteca Maria Àngels Torrents i Rosés.

The Molí de Cal Xerta is a former paper mill and is also known as Cal Fabra. It is one of the oldest mills documented in the Vila and is mentioned as a fulling mill in the 1540 Capbreu. Today, the Molí de Cal Xerta is a municipal multipurpose space where various activities take place, particularly in the field of artistic expression.

Landscape and Sant Jeroni

The Mirador de Sant Jeroni offers views of a diverse mosaic of gardens, orchards, olive groves, vineyards and forests. In the distance, the highest peaks of the Montserrat mountain range can be seen.

The Capella de Sant Jeroni was built in the 17th century in honour of Saint Jerome following a vow made by the village community after he had protected it from the plague.

Art and Festivals

The Biennal d'Art Riudebitlles is a biennial contemporary art event focusing on works on paper or made from paper as a material. The works are exhibited at the entrances of houses in the old town in dialogue with residents and visitors.

Riudebirres is the Mostra de cervesa artesana of the Vegueria Penedès, organised in Sant Pere de Riudebitlles. At Riudebirres, visitors can taste craft beer and enjoy live music. El Mitjó is a puppet festival.

Wine and Local Culture

Riudevins is a wine event held in private wine cellars in the houses of the Barri Vell of Sant Pere de Riudebitlles. At Riudevins, wine, art, music, gastronomy and cultural heritage come together.

The wine cellar that was active before the phylloxera era was already in operation before the first documented occurrence of phylloxera in Penedès in 1887. The remains of rooms and fermentation vessels that were found are attributed to a wine cellar dating from the 17th to the 19th century.

Further Places

You can find further town pages here: Torrelavit, Palafolls, Llerona, Castellgalí, L'espunyola, Viver, Artés, Lavit.

For the higher-level travel overview: Barcelona.