Around Anoia, border castles

The first stop is in Òdena, a few kilometres from Igualada. You have to look for the highest point in the town to find what you’ve come to see: its castle. Or, to be honest, what remains of it because of what was once a great fortification only a part of the defending wall and a tower are left. But there are other reasons for visiting this place. The majestic tower, proud of what it represented, is quite unique, with an exterior eleven-sided polygonal structure. From here, you can see the Òdena basin and the diverse castles surrounding it. However, most surprising are the remains of the old village of Òdena, which was on top of a hill and surrounded the castle. It’s a captivating experience: first within the stone walls you can make out the outlines of the rooms and even see some old stoves, and later when you reach the square where the church, town council and school used to be. Moreover, the visit is complemented by old pictures that show what the place was like where there was life, and there are also the names of the streets and the houses. The old village, inhabited since ancient times, was abandoned during the 20th century, when the residents gradually moved to the lower part, yet it refuses to disappear. 

Today in Igualada, the capital of Anoia, you’ll seek out its medieval past. To take in every detail, best arrange a guided tour, which will reveal its thousand-year old past and give you an idea of how the town grew up around a crossroads. The old town centre preserves the characteristic layout of those centuries, and you’ll still find remains of the gates of the defence wall and very narrow streets. The basilica of Santa Maria or the location of the defensive hillock that originated the town are also part of the tour.

Before lunch you have time to visit the site of La Tossa de Montbui. It’s located in an outstanding place, 626 metres above sea level and with exceptional views. In fact, you can follow a path that leads to a vantage point where you’ll need storage space on your mobile for all the photos you’ll take. And you’ll also want to photograph the pre-Romanesque church consecrated by Abbot Oliva in 1032, and the rectangular watchtower with rounded angles. It houses a collection of country tools, while the church invites spiritual reflection and has a statue dedicated to the Virgin of Gràcia.

Right there you’ll find the restaurant La Tossa, where you can have lunch but it’s a good idea to book first! On weekends it’s usually packed. They have set menus... and extraordinary views!

It’s time to go down to the Plaça Major in Santa Margarida de Montbui to discover a cultural asset of national interest: the Palace of the Counts of Plasencia. It dates back to the 12th century and is an example of the evolution of the noble classes of Catalonia, in this case the rise of the Monbui line. The palace was the centre of political and economic power of the Counts of Plasencia and Barons of Montbui.

If you want to find accommodation in the region, we recommend the apartments of Can Alemany, a couple of kilometres from the last visit. Surrounded by nature, it’s the ideal place to relax and the rooms are spacious, elegant and comfortable.