Discover Castell De L'areny: Church, Nature and Trails

Townscape and History

The centre of Castell de l’Areny preserves a small network of lanes around the Church of Sant Vicenç de Castell de l’Areny, whose origins date back to the Romanesque period. Sant Vicenç de Castell de l’Areny has been documented since 905. In 1312, the church was still a parish church.

Getting There and Viewpoints

To get to Castell de l’Areny, the main access route leads via the road from the C-26; it is considered accessible to all types of vehicles. The Mirador de la Clusa offers views over the Vall de la Clusa valley. From the viewpoint, panoramas extend towards Montserrat. There are tables and benches at the viewpoint. Its facilities also include a wooden pavilion or shelter structure and information panels.

Natural Environment

The Serra del Catllaràs is protected under the Pla d’Espais d’Interès Natural. In addition, the Natura 2000 network forms part of its protection framework. The area of the Serra del Catllaràs also includes land in Castell de l’Areny. More than 30 orchid species grow in this natural environment. They include the protected lady’s-slipper orchid. This orchid is very rare in Catalonia.

Trails and Excursion Destinations

The GR 4 long-distance hiking trail crosses Castell de l’Areny from north to south. The Congost de l’Escalell is used in connection with the descent through gorges. Fageda de les Collades is one of the excursion destinations in Castell de l’Areny. Sant Romà de la Clusa is a 12th-century cultural heritage site in Castell de l’Areny. The Cresta de la Clusa is associated with adventure sports in Castell de l’Areny. Thus, within the local context of the long-distance trail, the gorge descent and the destinations mentioned, different forms of travelling through the area exist side by side: the GR 4 runs across the town, while Congost de l’Escalell, Fageda de les Collades and Cresta de la Clusa each appear as separate named places or points of reference.

Other Places

A concise selection of other places at the same destination level includes Torelló, Olvan, Sant Salvador De Guardiola, Vallirana, Pineda De Mar, Vilanova I La Geltrú, Tona and La Torre De Claramunt.

Festivals and Dates

The Festa Major de Castell de l’Areny takes place on the Sunday after the feast day of Sant Vicenç. The feast day of Sant Vicenç is 22 January. The Festa Major includes breakfast early in the morning, offered to all participants. Around midday, a solemn mass in honour of the patron saint takes place in the Church of Sant Vicenç de Castell de l’Areny. The Aplec de Sant Romà de la Clusa takes place on 11 June, the feast day of Sant Bernabé. Both the feast day in January and the fixed date of the Aplec in June are therefore relevant for planning the timing.

For the main travel overview: Barcelona.