Visit the impressive Cardona salt mines and the medieval town of Santpedor, in the heart of Catalonia

• Excursions

DATE: October 13 at 9am

An Interesting Excursion to Central Catalonia (Bages Region)

This excursion will allow us to visit the impressive Cardona salt mines, explore the former ducal town of Cardona, walk through two well-preserved old textile colonies (Valls de Torroella and El Palà de Torroella), and visit Santpedor, a medieval town known as the birthplace of Pep Guardiola and the Timbaler del Bruc. There is also the option to have lunch together in an old textile factory for 22 euros.

• Guided Tour of the Impressive Cardona Salt Mines and Interpretation Center

The Salt Mountain is a unique natural phenomenon in the world and continues to grow as rain erodes it. Its 120 meters are just the tip of an enormous diapir nearly two kilometers deep. During an hour-long tour, we will descend to 86 meters and enjoy the spectacular forms and textures of the salt massif.

The tourist site we visit today was one of the most important potash salt mines in the world, Mina Nieves de Cardona (1929-1990). Today, the old mining area is the Cultural Park of the Salt Mountain, a major cultural facility aimed at educating about the importance of salt, the geological uniqueness of the deposit, and the utilization of salt by humans over the centuries.

• Guided Walk in Santpedor, Medieval Town and Birthplace of Pep Guardiola and the Timbaler del Bruc

The town of Santpedor retains significant architectural and artistic heritage from its medieval splendor as a royal town and, located at a crossroads, keeps alive the tradition and footprint of the Camino de Santiago. Highlights include the portals of the old medalla and the Plaza Grande, where the Festival of San Miquel is celebrated.

Santpedor is the birthplace of Pep Guardiola and was also the home of the famous Timbaler del Bruc. Its porticoed square played a part in the victory of Bruc.

• Guided Walk in the Old Textile Colonies of Valls and El Palà de Torroella

Valls de Torroella and El Palà de Torroella are two old textile colonies in the municipality of Navàs, located on the left bank of the Cardener River. Although inhabited, they maintain nearly intact the structure of the old colonies, presided over by the impressive Valls family palace. During the guided walk, we will recreate life in these colonies and learn about the fascinating and lesser-known aspects of the important textile and mining industries of central Catalonia.

• Traditional Catalan Lunch in an Old Factory (Optional)

There is an option to have lunch together at a homemade cuisine restaurant located in an old factory. The menu costs 22 euros.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THE EXCURSION:

1. Visit the impressive Cardona salt mines and its fascinating interpretation center.
2. Explore Cardona, Santpedor, and the old textile colonies of Valls and El Palà de Torroella.
3. Dive into the fascinating world of the textile and mining industries of central Catalonia.
4. Discover the historical significance of salt.

THE PLAN:

• 9 am: Meet at Plaça Universitat to board our private coach.
• 10:30-11:30 am: Breakfast and guided walk in Santpedor.
• 11:30-12:30 pm: Visit the old textile colonies of Palà and Valls de Torroella.
• 12:30-2:30 pm: Guided tour of the Cardona salt mines and interpretation center.
• 2:30-4:30 pm: Free time for lunch. Option to eat together in a transformed old factory restaurant (menu price: 22 euros).
• 4:30-6 pm: Guided walk in Cardona.
• 6 pm: Return coach, arriving in Barcelona around 8pm

LANGUAGES: Spanish and Catalan

ACCOMPANYING GUIDE: Toni Bellido (official guide of Barcelona and Catalonia)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

✔︎ We will have lunch at a traditional restaurant. The group menu costs 22 euros. Those who prefer can eat independently in Cardona.

✔︎ We will travel to the entrance of the mines by van and then visit the galleries on foot.