Discover Carme: Waterways and Cultural History

Three waterways begin in the old town of Carme. Their starting point is the former slaughterhouse, which was converted into an interpretation centre. The Les Rutes de l’Aigua de Carme comprise these three signposted waterways. They offer the opportunity to discover Carme’s natural and landscape heritage. The former slaughterhouse is therefore both the starting point for the routes and a place of interpretation.

Nature

The Riera de Carme is part of the protected PEIN Sistema Prelitoral Central area (PRC 107). The Riera de Carme is also known as the Riera de Miralles. It runs from Miralles to the Anoia River and passes through Carme, among other places. The watercourse thus lies within a clearly defined geographical relationship between Miralles, Carme and the Anoia. There are waterfalls and pools along the Riera de Carme. These can be discovered via various suggested hiking routes.

Waterways

The Itinerari de la Riera cap al Molí Major is approximately 4 km long. The route takes 1 to 2 hours. Its difficulty level is low. The Itinerari de Collbàs is 4.6 km long. It takes 1 to 2 hours and has a moderate difficulty level. The Itinerari del Rec follows the Rec de Carme. It passes through natural areas with access to the Riera de Carme. The three routes have their own names: the first route refers to the Riera and the Molí Major, the second to Collbàs, and the third to the Rec de Carme.

Culture and History

The Centre d'Interpretació dels Paraires de Carme “L'Escorxador” is a cultural centre. It is located in the old town of Carme. Visual evidence and historical references convey the history of the guild brotherhood that existed there. The brotherhood existed between 1733 and 1860. The Casa de Sant Roc was the seat of the brotherhood of Carme’s paraires, founded in 1733.

The Molí Major is a characteristic paper mill. It bears witness to Carme’s industrial past. The Santuari de Collbàs is a sanctuary. It was built in the 18th century and is located on the Serra de Collbàs. The Rec de Carme is documented as early as 1214.

Sacred Heritage

The parish church of Sant Martí in Carme preserves a Romanesque baptismal font. Above the portal of the parish church there is a coat of arms with a relief depicting the legend of Saint Martin dividing his cloak. The relief is dated 1748. The church therefore preserves both the Romanesque baptismal font and the chronologically dated portal relief.

Other Places

Other places in the same wider travel region include Casserres, Ripollet, Olesa De Bonesvalls, Garraf, Rubió, Castellví De Rosanes, Mura and Bagá.

To the wider travel overview: Barcelona.