Ogassa: Churches, Mining Trails and Taga

The church of Sant Martí d'Ogassa in Ogassa dates back to the 10th century. It is located at an altitude of 1,370 m. Its site is on the way to Coll de Jou.

The church of Sant Martí de Surroca dates back to the 11th century. It is located in the northeast of the municipal area on the way to Coll de Pal.

Culture

The Surroca coal mines were exploited from the end of the 18th century onwards. They remained in operation until 1967. After that, the mines were closed.

The Ogassa coal mines were an important reason why the railway reached Ripollès. The cableway station at Ca l'Armengol was opened in 1940 as a new solution for transporting coal.

Ogassa has a museum created by the local population. It presents the work of the miners. The production of coal briquettes is also presented there.

In Ogassa, the traditional dance Ball de Sant Ferriol is performed by the youngest children.

The evidence of the local past thus ranges from religious buildings and mining to the transport routes connected with coal extraction. This historical picture is complemented by the continuing tradition known as the Ball de Sant Ferriol and by the museum created by the local population.

Trails

The route through the Serra Cavallera can be completed on foot. Some sections can also be travelled in a mountain vehicle.

The circular route along the former mine-cart tracks follows the former connection between the centre of Ogassa and Toralles railway station.

The route per la Via de Baix follows the former mine-cart track. It extends as far as the inclined plane of the Meseta de Baix.

The route per la Via de Baix passes the remains of the Balaguer cement factory. The chimney and the bag-filling facilities are visible there. The route leads to the remains of the house at the Meseta de Baix.

The Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó follows the former railway line. It was connected with coal extraction in the Ogassa mines.

The Camí de Vidabona runs mostly through Ogassa.

The route along the Torrent de la Font Gran passes the Font Gran. There, water emerges from underground in a fenced-off area.

The trails reveal various traces of the landscape: former mine-cart tracks, a former railway connection, industrial remains and a place where water emerges from underground. The Serra Cavallera and the Camí de Vidabona are also among the routes mentioned.

Other Places

Discover more places here: Mieres, Terrades, Pau, Bescanó, Bàscara, Vilamaniscle, Vilademuls and Joanetes.

Nature

Taga reaches an altitude of 2,035 m. It is the most prominent and highest peak in the Serra Cavallera and the inner Ripollès.

The Tall Obert de Can Camps is Ogassa's most significant fossil site. A great variety of fossils can be found there.

For the higher-level travel overview: Girona.