In Cardona, the geographical location of the castle responded to the need to defend any access to the local salt mines. The castle boasts a truly privileged view over the valleys of the River Cardener. From the XI to the end of XV centuries it was also the residence of the Cardona family, “the rich salt lords”, who were related to the major royal houses of Europe, and so influential that the Duke of Cardona was known as “the king without a crown”. The monumental area of the castle has been a National Monument since 1949, and the Colegiata de San Vicente, an example of Catalan Lombard art, since 1931. Highlights include the "Torre de la Minyona”,(lit. Minyona Tower), the Patio Ducal, the stronghold, and views over the Salina Valley.

We would also recommend a visit to the town of Cardona, particularly on Sundays when the local market is held.

Cardona’s Salina Valley is home to the prized salt wealth, which has been exploited since the neolithic age, and potassium salt, which was discovered by engineer Emili Viader at the beginning of the 1900s, both representing the true essence of the area. In 2003 the Salt Mountain Cultural Park was opened, to share the value of the region, and the history of its mines with the general public. La Valle Salina de Cardona forms an oval-shaped depression in the land, which is 1800m in length and 600m wide, covering an area of 100 ha. Its natural features have earned its place as part of Catalunya’s Plan for Areas of Natural Interest.

We would also recommend a visit to the town of Cardona, particularly on Sundays when the local market is held.

Solsona is a city with deep historical roots and traditions, which are clearly felt when wandering through its old quarter. Populated by festival giants and folkloric bestiary, Solsona is also famed for its cutlery and artisan food products. Explore Solsona by taking a stroll in the old quarter, visiting the Plaza Mayor, the fountains and old city walls. To find out more about the local history of Solsona, and discover many of the hidden parts of the old quarter, the cathedral, el Pozo de Hielo (lit. the Ice Well), the Museum and other important landmarks in the daily life of its inhabitants, we highly recommend a visit of the city with a professional guide.
Take a real journey back in time.

Market days: Tuesday and Friday

Montserrat is a massif formation of solid sedimentary rock, and is of particular importance in Catalunya due to its unique geological and topographical features. As legend tells it, since the image of the Virgin Mary was seen in the Santa Cueva (lit. the Holy Cave), Montserrat has had immense spiritual significance. The mother of God, familiarly known "la Moreneta" (the dark one), is a Romanesque wooden carving, which dates back to the end of the XII century.

Another important feature of the Montserrat Monastery is its schola cantorum. The Montserrat Boy’s Choir is one of the oldest male choirs in Europe. Documents dating from the XIV century give testimony to the existence of a male choir in Montsterrat; an authentic musical and religious institution.

As well as the Monastery and the Santa Cueva, the mountain is also home to a number of little churches and abandoned chapels.

Its unique geological features make Montserrat an ideal location to practice open-air activities. Climbing is the sport par excellence in the massif, and in recent times, exploring the vías ferratas (protected climbing routes) has also gained popularity. Montserrat is also the starting point for many hiking excursions.

The Collegiate Basilica of Santa María de la Aurora (also known as La Seu) is one of the most representative examples of Catalan gothic construction, and an icon of the Bages capital. Located on the Puig Cardener hill top, the city is nestled on the left bank of the Cardener River. La Seu, is without a doubt, the most referential historical and spiritual landmark for the population of Manresa. In 1886, Pope Leon XIII conceded privileges to the city, to transform its temple into a basilica. Despite its name, “Seu”, our local monument has never been a cathedral See. In fact, since its construction it has always been known by the more popular name, due to its size, the Chapter of Canons (hence the name ‘Collegiate’) and the great respect it has always held for the local people.

Saint Ignatius’ stay in Manresa, his experience there, and their significance in both his autobiography and the history of the Jesuits, have made Manresa and Saint Ignatius’ Cave, places of great interest for many visitors. Saint Ignatius’ Cave welcomes visitors, whether on a spiritual pilgrimage, or visiting its historical, cultural and artistic heritage.

The Casteltallat Observatory is located 20 km from our masía, and offers a wonderful opportunity to observe the night skies.

Sessions include a guided visit of the exhibition, “Proportions of the Solar System”, an introductory talk with high-quality visual support, an explanation of the brightest constellations and stars in the sky, and observation through various telescopes, of the different elements that can be found (galaxies, milky ways, double stars, open and globular star clusters, planets and the moon).

Visits are also available during the daytime to observe the sky and become better acquainted with the Sun.

A thousand years ago, a group of monks settled at the very place, where the Llobregat River creates a wide meander. They built a Romanesque monastery with a large church and intriguing cloister. Over the years they added other new structures to the main building, until it became the monastery still standing today. In 1907, having built the textile factory alongside the river, the mother of painter Ramón Casas, also acquired the monastery, and converted it into their mansion. The former monastic lodgings became sumptuous rooms, decorated with the painter’s own artistic collection. Món Sant Benet breathes its fascinating history at every turn, and is an incredible setting to experience a unique fusion of history and art.

The CAN offers adults and children alike, the possibility to discover, touch, see, listen and experience nature, with facilities and workshops to bring us closer to animal wildlife. Ranging from the more exotic creatures such as the raccoon, to the more common animals found on country farms, there are also fallow deer, turtles, emus, birds and rodents.

Enjoy a day out with the family in the countryside, surrounded by the most exotic examples of farm and domestic wildlife!