Vallromanes – Natural Heritage and History

Vallromanes stretches across the northwestern slopes of the Serra de Sant Mateu. The municipality of Vallromanes encompasses the source area of the Riera de Vallromanes.

Nature and Landscape

The mountainous area of Vallromanes is largely covered by scrubland as well as pine and holm oak forests; these areas cover 562 ha. The Parc de la Serralada Litoral is designated as a natural heritage area in Vallromanes. Roca Foradada is a protected natural site featuring a large granite block with an opening through its side, situated in a holm oak forest. Sant Mateu, a peak, lies in the immediate vicinity of Vallromanes. Turó de Castellruf, also a peak, lies in the immediate vicinity of Vallromanes. Playa Premià de Mar, a beach, lies in the vicinity of Vallromanes. Platja de Montgat, another beach, is also located in the vicinity of Vallromanes.

History and Architectural Heritage

The Castell de Sant Miquel de Montornès, also called Castell de Montornès, is the former castle of Vallromanes; it dates from the 11th century and stands on the remains of an Iberian settlement. At the summit of Castell de Sant Miquel de Montornès are the remains of an approximately rectangular medieval fortress with a round tower and a walled upper area. The Torre Tavernera was rebuilt in 1718. As a former domus, it replaced the destroyed castle as the centre of the feudal estate. The present church building of Sant Vicenç de Vallromanes dates from 1908. Sant Vicenç de Vallromanes preserves a Romanesque apse and bell tower, which may be of medieval origin. The Dolmen de Can Gurri is a megalithic monument from the Metal Age in the Bosc de Can Malloles.

This historical sequence extends from the megalithic monument of the Metal Age through the Iberian settlement beneath the former castle to the medieval fortress remains. It is complemented by the Torre Tavernera, rebuilt in 1718, and the church building from 1908, whose Romanesque apse and bell tower may preserve medieval origins in Vallromanes' present-day townscape.

Festivals and Market

The Festa Major de Sant Miquel in Vallromanes takes place around 29 September. Its programme is aimed at the general public. It comprises around fifty events at ten venues. The weekly Sunday morning market in Vallromanes offers high-quality fruit and vegetables.

Surroundings

The Museu de Premià de Dalt, a museum, is located in the immediate vicinity of Vallromanes. Can Font is a palace in the vicinity of Vallromanes. The Museo de la Estampación de Premià de Mar, a museum, is located in the vicinity of Vallromanes. The Museu de la Mina Vella, also a museum, is located in the vicinity of Vallromanes.

Other places: Premià De Dalt, Calders, La Palma De Cervelló, Cabrils, Sant Joan De Vilatorrada, La Beguda Alta, Lluçà, Gallifa

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