Talamanca: Battle History, Nature and Viticulture

Talamanca lies on the edge of the Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac. The small historic town centre has cobbled streets, while its elevated location offers views in all directions.

Culture and History

The earliest documented mention of Talamanca dates from 960. The area between Castell de Talamanca and Església de Santa Maria formed the town’s first inhabited centre.

Castell de Talamanca was built in the 10th century, contributed to the emergence of the town and acquired its present building in the 18th century, after Philip V had the castle demolished. During the Battle of Talamanca, the castell served as the command post of the Catalan army and played a decisive role in its victory.

Església de Santa Maria is a Romanesque church; its 12th-century building was extended in the 18th century. It houses the Gothic sarcophagus of Berenguer de Talamanca, which his wife Blanca commissioned in 1325.

Ermita de Santa Magdalena is a late Romanesque hermitage from the first half of the 13th century. It was extensively restored; the building was renovated and the surrounding area and access were adapted.

The Battle of Talamanca took place on 13 and 14 August 1714 as part of the War of the Spanish Succession and was the Catalan army’s last victory over Bourbon troops. The Centre d'Interpretació de la Batalla de Talamanca displays remains found during excavations on the battlefield and uses audiovisual and interactive materials, including a 3D reconstruction and an educational information panel.

The Monument Memorial 1714 commemorates the Catalan army led by Marquès del Poal. A viewpoint at the monument near the castell offers a complete panoramic view of the terrain of the Battle of Talamanca. The information panels about the battle were replaced after they had been severely damaged and were no longer legible.

Landscape and Trails

The La Riera de Talamanca route is documented with a map, elevation profile, duration, difficulty level, description, video and PDF. The circular route Ruta circular per la riera de Talamanca SL-C 58 is signposted with white-and-green markings.

Balma dels Gubians lies in a wooded, rocky area of the Serra de la Mussarra; Torrent dels Gubians was one of the important settings of the Battle of Talamanca. Above the balma is a large walkable rock surface leading towards Sínia de Can Valls.

The equestrian itinerary A cavall per la història begins in Talamanca, passes through the cobbled streets and by notable buildings, and conveys the history of the 1714 battle. The equestrian itinerary passes through pine, holm oak and oak forests with relics of the battle, agricultural and viticultural heritage, and views of the Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac.

Viticulture and Crafts

Tina de Ca la Jana is a wine vat dating from the period of the expansion of viticulture in the 18th and 19th centuries; its opening at street level is covered with a glass platform.

The Vins i pedres workshop teaches traditional dry-stone walling techniques in Talamanca’s vineyards and involves participants in their restoration. As part of Vins i pedres, the Tines del Bages are presented and wines with a designation of origin are tasted.

The first of the Barraques de Vinya del Pla de Santa Cecília is a rectangular structure from 1798 with an unusual barrel vault.

Getting There

Talamanca is located on the BV-1221 road, which connects Terrassa with Navarcles; access is via this road.

More Destinations

Other places you can discover include: Sant Feliu De Codines, Sant Andreu De La Barca, Cubelles, Fonollosa, Capolat, Gavà, Canet De Mar and La Pobla De Claramunt.

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