Did you know that over 36 million years ago, there was a sea in the geographical heart of Catalonia that vanished with the emergence of the Pyrenees? This process left behind unique rock formations, caves and landscapes, especially in the Bages region, parts of the Moianès region and the municipality of Collbató. Today, this area is part of the Central Catalonia UNESCO Global Geopark, a site brimming with tourist resources through which to immerse yourself in the fabulous world of geology and mining.

It’s amazing to discover that the Montserrat Mountain Natural Park, with its spectacular rock formations, was home to a delta millions of years ago! There are a series of signposted routes that begin at various strategic points of the park, such as the monastery. Some of them have information panels on the geology of the park. The Sant Llorenç de Munt i l’Obac Natural Park, located very close by, is a large natural protected area full of monoliths, caves, cliffs and gullies. This landscape has been shaped by erosion and by the materials transported by river flows during the Tertiary period, some 50 million years ago!

Underground paradises 

The Montserrat Caves, in Collbató, are one of the most extraordinary cave systems in Catalonia. In one underground passage, you can discover the habitat of the first Neolithic settlers and see the result of a geological process that has affected the limestone and conglomerate rock formations, causing them to take on a wide variety of colours and shapes.

Emerging from the insides of the Montserrat Massif, it’s time to head to the heart of the Moianès region. The El Toll Caves are nestled between Moià and Colluspina. This two-kilometre cave system is equipped with walkways and lighting. Part of it was inhabited by animals and humans in prehistoric times. Many of the objects found in these caves can be seen at the Moià Archaeology and Palaeontology Museum.

Continuing your underground tourism adventures, make your way to the Salt Mountain Cultural Park, where you can visit the most famous salt mines in Catalonia and find out about the relationship between humans and salt, along with the geological features of the place.

Unmissable!

The Valentí Masachs Geology Museum in Manresa boasts a collection of around 5,000 minerals, 2,000 rocks and 3,000 fossils! Not only will you be able to see all sorts of geological gems up close, but also you’ll find out what these minerals are used for and think about topics of interest such as the depletion of natural resources, radioactivity or the minerals of the future.