1. Copper Museum

At the Copper Museum, you'll discover that this noble metal is one of the few materials that can be recycled over and over again, indefinitely. This means that from a Neolithic copper necklace, we could obtain the copper needed for the printed circuit board conductor of a state-of-the-art computer, without losing any of its qualities! Did you know that from the walkway at La Farga, you can see the copper smelting and wire drawing process for yourself?

2. Cement Museum

Among the myriad marvels of our industrialised world that we take for granted nowadays, there are some that we barely notice anymore even though they're everywhere. One is the ubiquitous cement in our cities. It was developed in England in the mid-19th century and given the name Portland cement. The first Portland cement factory in Spain was built in Castellar de n’Hug, on the orders of Eusebi Güell. It no longer operates as a cement plant but rather it serves as an impressive home to the Cement Museum, which you can reach by train from La Pobla de Lillet. While you’re in there, pay a visit to the Artigas Gardens, designed by Antoni Gaudí.

3. Railway Museum

If you want to learn more about the world of railways, you should head to Vilanova i la Geltrú. The capital city of the Garraf region is home to a museum dedicated to the invention that changed the concept of distance forever. Its impressive collection of steam locomotives includes some of the oldest preserved machines in Spain. In 2023 it celebrated the 175^th anniversary of the first railway on the Spanish peninsula with an interactive exhibition.

4. La Casa de les Aigües (The Water House)

Designed by the architect Rovira i Trias to draw water from subterranean aquifers to solve the city’s water supply problems at the end of the 19^th century, the Casa de les Aigües (also known as the Montcada Wells) is a magnificent example of industrial Catalan modernism.

5. The Sèquia and the Can Font Water Centre

The Sèquia (an irrigation channel) has been carrying water from the Llobregat River, from Balsareny to Manresa since the 14^th century. This amazing feat of hydraulic engineering of the Middle Ages stretches 26 km, passing by many sites of natural, historical and architectural interest. At the Can Font Water Centre you can see how clean, fresh and purified water reaches the taps of your home, which we take for granted nowadays in this part of the world, while in many other parts of the world it’s still considered a miracle.

6. Pastes Sanmartí

There are so many everyday things we take for granted. “What shall we have for lunch today? Oh, whatever... How about spaghetti?” But pasta is certainly not “whatever”, especially if it’s the artisanal pasta made by Pastes Sanmartí, a pasta company based in the spa town of Caldes de Montbui. This is a product with a long history and a secret. If you pay them a visit, you’ll discover what lies behind the company slogan: “Noodle makers since 1700”. Visits can be arranged on Tuesday mornings for groups of no more than 10 people from February to April.

Bonus track: National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia 

Also known as the MNACTEC, this is the perfect place to find out how things work. Originally a textile factory designed by the Catalan modernist architect Lluís Muncunill, it has been transformed into a museum with over 200,000 objects showcasing the evolution of science and technology in Catalonia, with a special focus on local inventions and improvements. It’s a place to discover how these inventions have enhanced society and everyday life. The museum is also ideal for sparking kids’ interest in science and technology.