Calaf: Medieval History, Festivals and Landscape

The medieval settlement of Calaf grew up around Calaf Castle. The castle was built in the 11th century in the upper part of the town at a strategic point for controlling two routes.

Geographical Setting

Calaf lies in the northeast of the Altiplà de la Segarra plateau, at an average altitude of 680 metres, and is surrounded by dry farmland and holm-oak groves. Calaf has a RENFE railway station on the Barcelona–Lleida railway line.

The Calaf Tourist Office provides information about sights, restaurants, accommodation, means of transport, and traditional and handcrafted products.

Culture and Local History

A guided tour of Calaf Castle introduces visitors to the various rooms, the watchtower, the course of the walls and the former hospital. Les Botigues Antigues is a museum in the covered Plaça Gran that recreates the original shops from the early 20th century.

The Baroque-style parish church of Sant Jaume was inaugurated for worship in 1639; it is 40 metres long, 12.5 metres wide and 20 metres high. The Campanar de Calaf bell tower is 56.60 metres high and was completed in 1889.

The guided tour of the Campanar de Calaf leads to the tower's top floor and covers the old clock mechanism and the history of its bells. Plaça Gran was declared a cultural asset of national interest in 2003.

The Convent de Sant Francesc was built between 1715 and 1729 on the former Priorat de Sant Jaume. A votive chapel was built by the jurors of Calaf around 1690 after the population had been spared one of the plague epidemics that afflicted the land at that time.

Festivals and Events

The Aplec de Sant Sebastià takes place every year and includes a traditional procession to the hermitage, a mass, sardanas, wooden games for children and a communal breakfast. The Festa Major in Calaf combines concerts, dances, popular culture, family shows, sporting activities and offerings organised by local associations.

The Festa Major d'hivern, held in honour of Santa Calamanda, combines the traditional mass, sardanas and the Metredansa with cultural activities and stage shows.

Markets and Local Cuisine

The Fira de la Carbassa takes place every year in Calaf as an autumn pumpkin market. It includes a pumpkin market with various products made from pumpkins, as well as a gastronomic tasting area. In a workshop, children can paint and decorate pumpkins.

The Mercat de Calaf takes place in Plaça dels Arbres and on Raval de Sant Jaume. At the “Tasta la plaça” event, dishes are purchased with pesetas, giving the event a nostalgic character.

Sculpture Trail and Horse Riding

The Ruta de les Escultures is a signposted route of approximately 10 kilometres through the municipality of Calaf, passing 20 sculptures. Horse riding is available in the area around the municipality of Calaf.

Other destinations to discover independently: Santa Eulàlia De Ronçana, Vilada, Mas Ram, Viladecaballs, Borredá, Cerdanyola Del Valles, L'espunyola, Alpens

To the higher-level travel overview: Barcelona.