Rec neighborhood of Igualada.
Capellades Paper Mill Museum.
Via Blava Anoia.
Blue Route Mills Route.
History flows with the river: the paper mills and industrial past of Anoia
Anoia is a land rich in water and stories. For centuries, the river has been the lifeblood that turns wheels, powers machines and brings crafts to life, showing us how people used to work in the past. Along the Via Blava, you will find villages and corners where the industrial past lives on: old paper mills, factory colonies, tanneries and museums that take you on a journey through time.
1. The Rec district in Igualada: leather, water and memory
The Rec district, located on the river, is one of the most unique historical industrial areas in Europe. Its tanneries, many of which are still in operation, were fed by water from the Rec canal to produce leather from hides. Walking through the narrow streets, you can feel the essence of a craft that has shaped the identity of Igualada.
Don't miss the Igualada Leather Museum, with exhibitions and family workshops that explain both the craftsmanship and the innovations in the textile and leather industry.
More information about the Leather Museum
2. Capellades and the paper mill
On the banks of the River Carme, the Capellades Paper Mill is a living jewel of Catalan industrial heritage. Here, paper was made by hand and sent all over the world, using the water from the town's spring, a constant and abundant water source. Today, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of paper with hands-on demonstrations where you can make your own sheet of paper, as was customary in the 18th century.
Molí Paperer de Capellades Museum
3. Routes to follow the watercourse
If you want to combine history and nature, the Via Blava is your guide. You can cover short distances on foot or by bike, connecting Igualada with Capellades and discovering old mills along the way. The murmur of the river will lead you to the remains of factories and canals that still silently tell of centuries of work and ingenuity.
4. The other guardians of memory
As you follow the course of the Via Blava, you will come across mills that, although not museums, are nevertheless an essential part of the industrial history of the Anoia region:
- Molí del Boix (Òdena) – This old paper mill in a peaceful setting has retained much of its original structure and is a reminder of the heyday of the paper industry in this region.
- Molí de Rigat (Vilanova del Camí) – A testament to the craftsmanship and family work that breathed life into many local communities by harnessing the Anoia River.
- Molí de la Boixera (Capellades) – Another historic site linked to the paper industry, illustrating how the river served as a source of energy and economic life.
As you walk or cycle through this area, you can imagine the constant sound of water driving the water wheels and the hustle and bustle of the workshops.
5. A living chapter in the history of Anoia
This industrial heritage is not only cultural property, but also identity. In Anoia, water has created prosperity, crafts and culture. Today, when you walk through the Rec district or listen to the wheels of the paper mill, you can feel history flowing on... like the river that made it possible.