Discover L'Estany: Culture, Springs and Trails

The Mina de l'Estany is an underground drainage gallery approximately 425 metres long. It consists of dry-stone masonry without mortar. Drainage work on the former lake of l'Estany began in 1554. It was improved in 1735; the Mina de l'Estany emerged from this drainage work. Its construction and origins make it a distinctive testament to the historic landscape of l'Estany.

Guided tours inside the Mina de l'Estany have been temporarily postponed due to maintenance work on the underground gallery. The gallery can therefore currently be understood primarily as part of the area's history and the former changes to the former lake.

Culture and History

The Centre d'interpretació provides tourist information. It promotes the history, natural features and cultural heritage of l'Estany. In doing so, it brings together the themes that shape the area beyond individual points of interest.

The Centre de Visitants presents the archaeological and historical heritage of l'Estany through its cultural landscape. It also presents the architectural, artistic and ethnological heritage of l'Estany through this cultural landscape. The different forms of heritage are not presented separately, but rather in connection with the area's landscape.

The Centre de Visitants is the gateway to the regional hiking and cultural trails of l'Estany. Information about the trails is therefore available there alongside the cultural and historical themes visible in the cultural landscape.

The church of Santa Maria de l'Estany houses a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. The Creu de Terme, a stone and iron wayside cross dating from 1805, also forms part of the area's historical landmarks. It marked the intersection of the King's Road from Manresa to Vic and the road to Artés.

Nature and Trails

Les Fonts de l'Estany comprises numerous springs distributed throughout the municipality. These springs include Font del Prat, Font Canaleta, Font Vella, Font de Jesús, Font del Castell and Font de Sant Antoni. The names also show how varied the designations of the individual points within this network of springs are.

The Itinerari del domini de la terra leads to Puig de la Caritat. It thus complements the regional hiking and cultural trails accessible from the Centre de Visitants.

Festivals and Music

The Stagnum Festival takes place every year in August. It offers concerts in the cloister and church of the Santa Maria de l'Estany monastery.

The Stagnum Festival includes Bachiana, a concert programme dedicated to the work of J. S. Bach. The combination of the concert programme, cloister and church gives the festival a clear connection to the Santa Maria de l'Estany monastery.

The Fira de l'Estany traditionally takes place on 8 December. This Fira traditionally includes a speed-painting competition of contemporary origin. An increasing number of participants are being recorded for this competition.

Around 30 stalls were set up at the Fira de l'Estany. They included handicrafts, food and local organisations. By 2024, the Fira de Tardor had already reached 31 editions.

Other Places

Find other places here: Fonollosa, Bigues I Riells, Gurb, Ca l'Avi, Manlleu, Vilafranca Del Penedès, Martorell and Sant Joan De Vilatorrada.

Getting There

From Barcelona, l'Estany can be reached via the C-17 to the Caldes de Montbui exit. The route then continues along the C-59 through Castellterçol and Moià.

To the main travel overview: Barcelona.