Culture and traditions

Many of us tend to associate Romanesque art with austerity and simplicity, discreetly blending in with nature. And this is very true, especially of the small churches built in the 11^th and 12^th centuries in mountain villages. However, it can also be a rich and complex artistic style that reflects the aristocratic sensibility of the monks who lived in the monasteries at that time.

Would you like to travel in time? In the region of Vallès Occidental you can teleport yourself to the past and relive the Belle Époque through its architecture, art and cuisine! We’ve prepared a route through various cities on which you’ll discover constructions and designs that combine the elegance and creativity typical of Catalan modernism, embodied even in old factories. Fasten your seat belts and let’s get started!

Casa Batlló, the Sagrada Família, the Pedrera and, beyond Gaudí, the Catalan modernist site of the old Hospital of La Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Casa Amatller and the Palau de la Música Catalana... Catalan modernism will be your faithful companion throughout your trip to Barcelona. But you should bear in mind that it this movement is not confined to the capital city. Do you need proof? Here are three little-known buildings in the province of Barcelona where you can discover other variants of Catalan modernism: a refurbished mediaeval castle, the house of an upper-class family and even an industrial building. As an extra, enjoy a garden designed by Gaudí himself that predates his world-famous Park Güell.