Cardedeu: Raspall Architecture, Nature and Festivals

A total of 24 hiking and cycling routes are available around Cardedeu. Near the town centre, a network of rural paths runs through fields and woods, offering peaceful, level routes for walking or sporting activities. Parc Pompeu Fabra is the starting point for various routes through Cardedeu’s natural and cultural surroundings. Parc dels Pinetons was designed in 1930 by the architect Manuel Joaquim Raspall.

Culture and Architectural Heritage

The towers of Cardedeu’s summer residences range stylistically from Eclecticism and Classicism through Modernisme to Noucentisme. Alqueria Cloèlia was the summer residence of Mercè Espinach and M. J. Raspall’s first private commission in 1904. Casa Golferichs is a work by the architect Raspall dating from 1908; it was commissioned by Carmen Golferichs Losada, Masó’s widowed wife, as a summer residence for the family.

Cardedeu’s municipal cemetery was built between 1919 and 1920 to a design by Manuel Joaquim Raspall and retains its original layout. The Church of Santa Maria de Cardedeu has been documented since the 9th century; the present church dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Roman villa of Pla de les Parets includes a rural area and a residential area with small baths. The Sant Hilari complex is classified as a Bé Cultural d’Interès Local and has architectural and historical value for Cardedeu.

Museum and Historical Traces

Farmàcia Balvey preserves its original furnishings from 1812 and more than 200 apothecary jars. Museu Arxiu Tomàs Balvey preserves historical, ethnographic and artistic collections relating to the history of Cardedeu. Its garden contains Mediterranean plant species with medicinal uses and offers educational visits and workshops focused on natural and scientific heritage.

Museu Arxiu Tomàs Balvey offers tours exploring the cultural heritage and art of the municipality and the comarca. By prior arrangement, Museu Arxiu Tomàs Balvey offers guided visits to the Sant Hilari complex for organised groups.

Nature and Puzzle Trails

“Els enigmes de Cardedeu | Street Scape” consists of two puzzle trails: one through the centre of Cardedeu focusing on its historical and architectural heritage, and another through the municipality’s natural surroundings. Both games can be played around the clock on almost every day of the year.

The Serra de Sant Hilari comprises mixed woodland, farmland and vineyards; the area around Mas and Ermita de Sant Hilari offers panoramic views of the surrounding fields and mountain ranges. Montseny Natural Park is less than half an hour from Cardedeu.

Festivals and Dates

Borregos are the symbol and a speciality of Cardedeu; they are made from flour, sugar, butter, matafaluga and aniseed. The Aplec de Sant Hilari traditionally takes place on the second Sunday in January. The Fira de Nadal i del Torró Artesà takes place in the second week of December. Cardedeu’s Festa Major takes place on the weekend closest to 15 August.

Other Places

For more places in this area, see Gualba, Vilanova del Vallès, Folgueroles, Torrelles De Foix, Sant Feliu De Codines, Olvan, Vilanova I La Geltrú and Gurb.

Getting There

Cardedeu has a stop on Rodalies line 2 between Sant Vicenç de Calders and Maçanet-Massanes.

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.