Canovelles: Romanesque Architecture, Old Town and Paths through the Landscape

The Església de Sant Fèlix in Canovelles is one of the few buildings in Catalonia in the style of First Romanesque. The church is located in the old town on Carrer de l’Església, a very narrow pedestrian street. Canovelles’ old town has medieval origins. An elevated, peaceful location in the old town offers views of the landscape around Canovelles as well as the nearby towns of Les Franqueses del Vallès and Granollers.

Other destinations

Other destinations: El Bruc, Sant Bartomeu Del Grau, Parets Del Vallès, Sant Pau de la Guàrdia, Montcada, Campins, Sabadell, Vacarisses

Culture and History

The Ca l'Estrada 2 archaeological site proves that this area of Canovelles was inhabited during various periods from the Neolithic to the present day. Among other things, hearths, four hut floors, four pit graves and the menhir statue were documented; specifically, the site comprises four round huts with stone floor surfaces and a burial area, slightly separated by a palaeochannel, with four individual pit graves containing grave goods.

The Domus d'Olivet probably dates from the late 10th or early 11th century. It was initially intended for the defence and control of the area at a crossroads. It later became a fortified house. In 2024, the Generalitat de Catalunya included the Domus d'Olivet, with identification number 4663-ZA, as an archaeological zone in the Register of Cultural Assets of National Interest, or BCIN for short.

Landscape and Paths

There are three routes through the municipality under the title “Passejades per descobrir Canovelles”. These routes connect farmhouses, fields, forests and particularly noteworthy areas of the town centre. One of the routes is called “Nucli antic de Canovelles, Can Cuana i veïnat de Sanaüja” and begins at Ronda Nord. From there, it passes through the old town of Canovelles and by the Font de Can Duran. It then continues to the hamlet of Can Cuana and through the rural part of the municipality.

The “Nucli antic de Canovelles, Can Cuana i veïnat de Sanaüja” route offers panoramas of the rocks of Sant Miquel del Fai, Montseny and the Congost plain. The route also provides insights into the rural landscape of the municipality of Canovelles.

Markets and Festivals

The Sunday market takes place every Sunday throughout the year on Passeig de la Ribera. Its market section lies between the Guardia Civil barracks and the municipal boundary with Les Franqueses del Vallès.

The Festa Major de Canovelles takes place in the last week of July. Symbolically, the festival is divided into the two groups Cans and Ovelles. The programme includes numerous activities open to everyone interested.

Getting There

Granollers-Canovelles railway station is connected to the R3 Rodalies line. This line runs between l’Hospitalet de Llobregat and Puigcerdà.

To the main travel overview: Barcelona.