Sant Boi de Llobregat: Roman Baths, History and Routes along the Llobregat

Culture

In Sant Boi de Llobregat, the Museu de Sant Boi is dedicated to researching and deepening knowledge of local history. One of the museum’s exhibitions features Rafael Casanova, Barcelona’s historical chief counsellor in 1714. He is of central importance to the celebrations held in Sant Boi on 11 September. Another exhibition summarises local history from the Iberian period to the present day.

The Termes Romanes are considered the best-preserved private, meaning domestic, Roman baths in Catalonia. Their designation as a cultural asset of national interest is known in Catalan as Bé Cultural d’Interès Nacional (BEIN). Built towards the end of the 2nd century AD, the baths remained in operation until the 5th century.

The Torre de Benviure began as a simple watchtower at the start of the 11th century. It stood along an old royal road to Sant Climent and was later converted into a castle. Can Torrents is a historic building. The upper floor contains late Gothic windows; at the entrance are a round-arched doorway and a coat of arms. A chapel also contains the tomb of Rafael Casanova, a national hero of Catalonia.

The townscape therefore brings together different historical references: the Iberian period, the Roman use of the Termes Romanes, the medieval watchtower and the later architectural traces of Can Torrents. Rafael Casanova also appears both in the museum exhibition and in the chapel.

Nature and Routes

Muntanya de Sant Ramon is suitable for observing migratory birds. September and October are specifically mentioned. Anyone planning this observation should schedule it for these two months.

Sant Boi de Llobregat is also a starting point for routes towards the Llobregat Delta and the mountains of Sant Ramon, Montbaig, Montpedròs, del Güell, Ordal and Garraf. One route begins in the museum area of Sant Boi, follows the banks of the Llobregat and continues along forest paths to Parc de la Muntanyeta.

The route described connects several landscape areas in a clear sequence: it begins in the museum area, then follows the Llobregat and continues along forest paths to Parc de la Muntanyeta. Muntanya de Sant Ramon adds the stated seasonal connection with migratory bird observation to this network of routes.

Cuisine

The Carxofada is a traditional public food festival. The local artichoke from Sant Boi takes centre stage. The Mes de la Carxofa in Sant Boi de Llobregat combines an artichoke tapas route with seasonal menus in restaurants. Sixteen restaurants take part with their own creations and menus.

The artichoke thus characterises both the festival and the event month: it takes centre stage at the Carxofada, while the Mes de la Carxofa brings together tapas and seasonal restaurant menus featuring it. Each of the 16 participating restaurants creates its own dishes and menus for the occasion.

Events

A new edition of the public music and discovery festival L’Altaveu is taking place in Sant Boi de Llobregat. The festival reached its 37th edition.

With its 37th edition, L’Altaveu is one of the recurring public events that bring music and discovery together in the town.

More destinations

Other destinations at the same higher level are Corbera De Llobregat, Cornellà De Llobregat, Torrelles De Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Climent De Llobregat and Esplugues De Llobregat.

To the higher-level travel overview: Baix Llobregat.