Discover Alpens through its architectural history, crafts and distinctive landscape. Sant Pere de Serrallonga, the parish church of Santa Maria and the modernist building Antigues escoles d’Alpens each offer a different architectural highlight. There is also a signposted walking tour, another route with named waymarkers and historic connections to local festivals. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on the churches, blacksmithing, village trails or rocky landscape.
Churches and historic architectural styles
Sant Pere de Serrallonga is a small pre-Romanesque church dating from the 9th century. Its square sanctuary and very flat triumphal arch give the building a distinctive form. The church stands on the Puigdon ridge and offers extensive panoramic views over Lluçanès. Sant Pere also has two Baroque depictions of Saint Peter and Saint Mary dating from the 18th century.
The parish church of Santa Maria d’Alpens has a different character: the heavily modified building combines Baroque and Neoclassical features and was rebuilt from 1708 onwards. The shot said to have killed Brigadier Josep Cabrinetty on 9 July 1873 is attributed to the bell tower. On a visit, you can distinguish the building’s history from this cautiously reported historical connection.
Crafts and local details
Alpens is recognised by the Generalitat de Catalunya as a “place of craft interest”. Another local attraction is the work “El Manelic” in Plaça Joan Prat. Antigues escoles d’Alpens is a modernist building. Together, these places offer visitors different cultural points of interest: official recognition for crafts, a work of art in a square and a distinctive architectural style.
Walking tours and waymarkers
The Ruta de la Forja is a signposted walking tour with information panels through the centre of Alpens. The Volta a Alpens starts at Plaça Major, follows yellow waymarkers and passes the church of Santa Maria and its bell tower. The routes are distinguished by their named features: the Ruta de la Forja focuses on the walking tour and information panels in the village centre, while the Volta has a named starting point, waymarkers and a church stop. Check the Ruta de la Forja signage locally before setting out; you should also compare the stated starting point and yellow waymarkers for the Volta with the local signage.
Rock formations and elevations
Rocadepena is a striking, wall-like rock formation on the path to Font de Matamosses. Puigdon and Puigcornador are considered the highest peaks in the area; elevations of 1,205 and 1,212 m are given for them. As well as its buildings, Alpens offers distinctive landscape features. If you would like to include this aspect of the village in your plans, you can consider the rock formation and the named peaks as separate themes alongside the churches and village trails.
Festivals with historical connections
Font de la Batalla d’Alpens commemorates the Battle of Alpens, fought on 9 August 1873 during the Third Carlist War. The Fira de maig is also connected with the battle and features ironwork and this historical connection. It is scheduled for the penultimate Sunday in May. The Festa Major is associated with 27 September and includes the Dansa Alpensina, a Correfoc and a dance. If a festival is the reason for your trip, check the date and programme for the relevant year in advance. This will help you distinguish a visit to a historic site from planning around a festival date.
Discover more destinations: MatarĂł, Viladecans, Vilada, GavĂ , Els Prats De Rei, Mura, Les Fonts, Sant MartĂ Sarroca
For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.
