Igualada offers two distinct perspectives: the Rec district, with its leather and textile history, and the Anella Verda, a circular route through natural, agricultural and landscape areas around the city. There are also museum collections and local traditions. You can explore the area through its industrial history, cultural themes or landscapes.

Leather and industrial history in El Rec

The Museu de la Pell d’Igualada is in the heart of the Rec district, 400 metres from the city centre. Free parking is available 200 metres away, at the junction of Carrer Sant Faust and Carrer del Rec. The museum also manages visits to the Gasogen de Cal Pasqual. The gasogen is considered the only surviving example in Catalonia and probably in Europe.

Cal Granotes, a 17th-century tannery in the heart of El Rec, brings the traditional craft of leather tanning to life through displays. From the late 18th century onwards, new tanneries were built along the banks of the Rec. These are two historical reference points for the district’s leather tradition: the 17th-century tannery and the later expansion.

Another trace of industry is La Igualadina Cotonera, also known as Vapor Vell or Cal Godó. Built in 1841, this textile steam-powered factory is the oldest surviving Manchester-style factory in Catalonia. It is also the only building in Igualada’s El Rec district to be recognised as a “Bien Cultural de Interés Nacional” (National Cultural Asset of Interest). Compared with Cal Granotes, the focus here shifts from leather tanning to textile production.

The Museu del Traginer – Col·lecció Antoni Ros explains the development of animal-powered transport and explores connections between the various professions involved in transporting goods by cart and pack animal. The guided Igualada Modernista tour explores the city’s Modernista heritage. Both offer a different way to discover the city’s history from the buildings and collections dedicated to leather and textile production.

Traditions and routes

Local festivals also highlight different aspects of history. The Festa de Reis has been celebrated since 1895 and is recognised as a “Festa Popular d’Interès Cultural” (Festival of Cultural Interest). Sant Antoni i els Tres Tombs dates back to 1822 and is recognised as a “Festa Tradicional d’Interès Nacional” (Traditional Festival of National Interest). The dates show their different historical roots, and the recognition titles differ too. If you’re planning your trip around one of these festivals, check the dates in advance.

As a scenic complement, the Anella Verda circles Igualada and links various natural, agricultural and landscape areas in the immediate surroundings. The route is more than 13 kilometres long and offers views of the city and its surroundings. It connects with routes including the Camí de Sant Jaume, the Via Blava and the Camí Ignasià.

The Via Blava Anoia follows the Anoia River from its source near Jorba to its confluence with the Llobregat at Martorell. It offers a peaceful and accessible way to discover riverside landscapes, natural areas and historic cultural heritage. The two routes therefore take different forms: the Anella Verda circles Igualada, while the Via Blava follows the river between Jorba and Martorell.

Discover more destinations: Tona, Sant Sadurní D’anoia, Les Corts, Barbera Del Valles, Vilanova De Sau, Calaf, Santa Eugènia De Berga, Centelles.

Go to the main travel overview: Barcelona.