Discover Montcada: Culture, Water Heritage and Views

The Casa de les Aigües in Montcada i Reixac is a former station for extracting and pumping water from the aquifer of the Besòs River and is considered a central element of Catalan industrial heritage.

Culture and History

As an extension of the Museu Municipal de Montcada i Reixac, the Casa de les Aigües brings together the museum’s offerings on the city’s water heritage, science and sustainability. The Museu Municipal is developing a permanent exhibition and activities that introduce the local history of Montcada i Reixac to residents and educational centres.

Sant Pere de Reixac has a history spanning more than a thousand years. The architectural ensemble includes the church and bell tower. The cemetery and wayside cross are also part of this ensemble. The Iberian settlement of Les Maleses has a regular urban layout, with houses made of stone, clay and wood arranged along a main street; a surrounding defensive wall protected the settlement.

The Festa del Fanalet is a cultural tradition held as part of the Festa Major of Terra Nostra. Once a year in September, residents welcome a train with lanterns at the station.

Water Heritage and Local History

The Rec Comtal was built to divert excess water from Montcada i Reixac to the fertile plains north of Barcelona. More than a thousand years old, the Rec Comtal is a water channel. It is almost 13 kilometres long.

The Parc de les Aigües is connected with Montcada’s historic water heritage, particularly the Rec Comtal and the area around the fountains, and enhances this site. Guided tours of the Casa de les Aigües take place on the first Sunday of every month.

The timing adds specific opportunities to visit to the local history: the guided tours of the Casa de les Aigües take place on the first Sunday of every month, while the Festa del Fanalet is held once a year in September. The water heritage therefore focuses on both a former technical site and a historic canal. The walk between Mina de Montcada and Vallbona follows visible sections of the canal system and is approximately 2 kilometres long.

Views and Walks

Sant Pere de Reixac is located near the Besòs River on a mountain in Vallès and offers panoramic views of the region. The Mirador de Reixac is a viewing terrace made of sauló in front of the church of Reixac. From there, panoramic views extend over Montcada Hill and the Besòs Valley.

The Mirador de Reixac is frequently visited by residents of Montcada and hikers. On a walk of approximately 2 kilometres, visitors can follow visible sections of the Rec Comtal’s canal system. This walk runs from Mina de Montcada to the Barcelona district of Vallbona.

More destinations: Collbato, Cervelló, Sabadell, Teià, Castellar De N'hug, Sant Vicenc De Montalt, Llerona and San Celoni.

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.