Els Prats de Rei: Roman Traces, Historic Routes and Festivals

Nature

Els Prats de Rei lies on the Segarran high plateaus of the Anoia comarca, in a small valley formed by the young Anoia River. Around 40 percent of the municipality is forested. The forests are mainly home to white pines and Austrian pines. Smaller stands of oaks, kermes oaks and holm oaks complete this landscape. Open highlands, wooded areas and the narrow river valley therefore meet directly. The different landscape forms give walks and views around the town distinctly different character.

History

In the historic centre of Els Prats de Rei, the layout of the town that was formerly surrounded by walls has been preserved. Narrow medieval streets lead between notable buildings through the historic town centre. In the parish church of Santa Maria, the atrium contains five Roman funerary slabs dating from the 1st to the 3rd century AD. The town’s history thus extends from Roman traces to the medieval urban structure.

The Torre de la Manresana is also connected with a specific chapter of European history. During the Battle of Prats de Rei against Bourbon troops at the end of 1711 in the War of the Spanish Succession, it served as an observation point for the Habsburg army. The exterior area is freely accessible; prior reservation is required for the interior and the upper section. For a visit to the tower complex, reservations and current visiting hours should therefore be checked in advance.

Historic Routes

Two urban walking routes lead to different historic sites. The Ruta dels Espais de Memòria de l'Hospital Militar de Campanya de l'XI. republicà corps leads to the locations of the field hospital during the Spanish Civil War. It explains a local historical event from 1938 and 1939, thereby establishing a distinct focus alongside the older traces in the town centre.

The Ruta de la Batalla dels Prats de Rei covers the most important historic sites of the 1711 Battle of Prats de Rei during the War of the Spanish Succession. This route can be completed on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by quad bike. Before setting out, it is sensible to take the current trail conditions and the intended mode of transport into account when planning the day.

Festivals and Roman Traditions

The Festa Major takes place from 13 to 16 August, with 15 August as its main day. Numerous festive and cultural events are held in the historic centre, particularly on Plaça Major. The Pessebre Vivent has been performed in Els Prats de Rei since 1972. Its long performance tradition is part of the cultural calendar, as is the Sopar Romà, an annual dinner whose menu and staging recreate the Roman era. When planning around these events, the relevant dates and start times should be checked before travelling.

Getting There

Els Prats de Rei is served by a regular bus route running between Barcelona, Igualada and Calaf. Anyone wishing to use this connection should check the current timetable and any changes for the day of travel.

Other Places

Other places in the same higher-level area are Argençola, Santa Perpetua De Moguda, Palau-solità i Plegamans, Tordera, Valldoreix, Les Fonts, La Pobla De Lillet and Matadepera.

To the higher-level travel overview: Barcelona.