Rajadell: River Routes, Cultural Heritage and Olive Mill

Along the Riera de Rajadell, the 9.2 km-long, easy Via Verda runs through riverside woodland along the river. The route connects Rajadell with Manresa’s Green Ring and gives the landscape a clear course between water, woodland and paths.

Trails through the landscape

Rajadell has several signposted hiking routes. The surrounding area includes streams, ridges and plains predominantly shaped by cereal fields. As a result, different types of landscape alternate along the trails, without requiring a new geographical classification.

Creuem la Riera is a 1 km-long footpath between the railway station area and Rajadell’s old town. Along the route, there is interpretive information about the landscape, fauna and flora. The path thus connects specific aspects of nature with the townscape, without losing sight of its short distance.

The PR-75 hiking trail also passes agricultural heritage sites. Elements along the way include vineyard huts, water basins, brick kilns and chapels. Here, the historical evidence is found not only in individual structures but also along a route through the agriculture-shaped landscape.

History and cultural heritage

Rajadell’s old town has medieval origins and preserves well-maintained lanes and squares. Rising above it is Rajadell Castle, a fortified residence that is essentially Gothic and dates from the 17th century. It is considered one of the largest and best-preserved castles in the comarca.

Several periods meet at the Sant Amanç de Viladés archaeological complex. It comprises a Roman villa, an early medieval settlement and Iberian remains. The Sant Amanç archaeological site has two excavated, consolidated and museum-designed areas. The Rajadell Tourist Office organises visits to the Sant Amanç Roman villa.

The route to the Sant Amanç Roman villa is designed as a circular route and leads through the shaded side of Can Viladés and past the Roman villa. In parts, it follows an ancient Roman road and the old royal road. Here, history appears as part of the route itself, from the ancient transport route to the archaeological destination.

Another historical trace lies along the local Monistrolet route. It passes the Can Gallifa windmill, a building dating from 1910 with Modernista elements. The Monistrolet route is short, has no major climbs and is designed as a closed circular route.

Olive oil and local tradition

The Molí de l'Oli is a traditional stone olive mill that is still in operation. It produces extra virgin olive oil, including cold-extracted oil. Guided tours are offered for groups, explaining the various steps in olive oil production; visits must be arranged in advance.

Getting there

Rajadell can be reached by train or bus and is connected via the Eix Transversal C-25 expressway.

Further destinations: Cantonigròs, Sant Iscle De Vallalta, Rubió, Caldes De Montbui, Vallcebre, Sant Pau D'ordal, Sant Esteve De Palautordera, Bigues I Riells

To the higher-level travel overview: Barcelona.