Puig-Reig: Discover History, Colonies and Trails

The self-guided “Ruta dels Templers i els Obrers” is designed as a walking tour through Puig-Reig and leads through the municipality’s rural area and town centre. Along this route, visitors can discover four of the municipality’s most important tourist attractions. The route covers almost 1,000 years of history. It stretches from the consecration of Sant Martí church in 907 to the closure of Colònia Pons in 1992.

The route’s chronological span therefore brings together very different historical testimonies within a single walking tour. The starting point in 907 refers to the long history of Sant Martí church, while 1992 marks the end of the history of Colònia Pons. Between these two dates are the historic sites and complexes that shape the route through the rural area and town centre.

Other places: Canovelles, Monistrol De Montserrat, Castellfollit Del Boix, Súria, Santa Maria De Merlès, La Múnia, El Vallès Oriental and Castell De L'areny.

History and culture

Guillem de Berguedà, viscount and troubadour, chose Castell de Puig-reig as the site of his residence. Colònia Pons was built between 1875 and 1920. Its monumental complex was designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest in 2017.

Castell de Puig-reig and Colònia Pons thus place both the residence of the medieval viscount Guillem de Berguedà and a later monumental complex at the centre of the visit. Colònia Pons was built between 1875 and 1920; it was designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest in 2017. These sites therefore bring together different historical periods and forms of built heritage.

Sant Marçal church stands on the road between Puig-reig and Casserres. It is an example of Early Romanesque architecture, possibly dating from the 11th century. In addition to its Romanesque architecture, Sant Andreu de Cal Pallot preserves unique paintings within the municipality.

The two churches add Romanesque architecture to the historic sites along the route. Sant Marçal may date from the 11th century, while Sant Andreu de Cal Pallot preserves not only its architecture but also the unique paintings mentioned above. The two sites are thus associated with different visible features within the municipality.

Individual visitors can visit the Museu de la Colònia Vidal on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays without prior booking. In the museum’s textile hall, visitors can learn about the entire cotton-processing process using machinery from 100 years ago. There, they can see a demonstration of a working “teler de garrot” loom.

The museum visit therefore covers both the complete cotton-processing process and a demonstration of a specific type of loom. The machinery dates from 100 years ago and is located in the textile hall of the Museu de la Colònia Vidal. Individual visitors can enter on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays without prior booking.

Nature and trails

A section of the Ruta de les Colònies passes through Puig-reig. It follows various paths and nature trails and connects the colonies from Cal Prat to l’Ametlla de Merola.

The section of the Ruta de les Colònies connects Cal Prat with l’Ametlla de Merola and passes through Puig-reig along various paths and nature trails. In addition to the town centre and historic buildings, this route is therefore also part of the townscape described here.

La Madrona, also known as “Roques de Madrona”, is, at 685 metres, one of the highest points in the municipality of Puig-reig. From La Madrona, there is a panoramic view in all four cardinal directions.

At La Madrona, the focus is on the named location, its alternative name “Roques de Madrona” and its elevation of 685 metres. From there, the panoramic view extends in all four cardinal directions. The landscape description thus remains focused on the named point and its location within the municipality as described here.

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.