Breda: Ceramics, Monastery and Trails in the Parc Natural del Montseny

Breda is part of the Parc Natural del Montseny, which has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1978. A centuries-old pottery tradition remains alive through workshops, modern industrial businesses and shops.

Culture

The Museu Josep Aragay is dedicated exclusively to Josep Aragay i Blanchar. He was an artist of the Noucentisme movement. The Centre Cultural Els Forns is a 19th-century pottery workshop. It includes two Moorish kilns. They were used for the traditional firing of ceramics. A permanent exhibition presents Breda's pottery. The Centre has two rooms for temporary exhibitions. In Breda, therefore, both the historical production and the artistic engagement with ceramics are central concerns.

The Sant Salvador monastery was founded in the Breda valley in 1038. Its church has a 32-metre-high Lombard Romanesque bell tower. It dates from the first monastery building of the 11th century. The church itself is Gothic. This building dates from the 14th to the 16th century. The monastery thus brings together a bell tower from the early construction period and a distinctly later Gothic church.

The Església de Santa Maria was built between 878 and 1038. An apse from the 12th century and parts of the original wall paintings have been preserved.

Other places: Flaçà, El Prat de Llobregat, Amer, Ogassa, Vallfogona de Ripollès, Canet D'adri, Palau De Santa Eulàlia, La Vall De Bianya.

Nature

Route 3 leads to a small rock face with dense and varied Mediterranean vegetation. The Parc Natural del Montseny begins at this point. Route 5 is a circular route. It starts in the centre of Breda and leads to the edge of the Parc Natural del Montseny.

Route 6 circles Breda through wooded areas. Its course also passes through areas characterised by riverside vegetation, as well as rural areas.

Hiking and Cycling

Route 1 is a very easy linear route of less than 1 km in length. It is suitable for families. Route 2 is a short, easy circular route. It circles the municipality of Breda.

A 2-km cycle path connects Breda with Riells i Viabrea-Breda railway station. It passes through fields and forests. Trains run from the station on the Barcelona–Girona–Portbou line.

Market and Traditions

Breda's weekly market takes place on Sunday mornings around the church and town hall. The local shops are also open at this time. An Aplec takes place at the Ermita de Santa Anna on 26 July. It includes religious services and Sardana dancing. Cakes are also sold.

Anyone considering Breda as a travel destination can include a holiday apartment in their personal plans for the stay and determine the timeframe and composition of the travel group according to their own preferences for the trip together.

To the higher-level travel overview: Girona.