Manlleu’s industrial history comes to life by the water: at the Museu del Ter, it takes you from the former Can Sanglas cotton mill to the construction phases of the Canal Industrial. The town also has medieval Dalt Vila and a festival whose performance draws on the legend of the Serpent. Cultural history, town life and routes along the Ter give a stay in Manlleu a range of different focuses.
Industrial history on the Canal Industrial
The Museu del Ter was founded in 2004 to promote the industrial and natural heritage of the middle Ter basin. It is housed in Can Sanglas, a former cotton mill dating from 1841, on the final stretch of Manlleu’s industrial canal. The permanent exhibition “La fà brica de riu” uses experimental machines to explain how cotton was once processed into yarn. It focuses on the history of work and the technological transformation of the raw material.
The canal itself can also be understood through its precise measurements and construction phases: it is 1,900 metres long, an average of 6.5 metres wide and 2 metres deep. The upper section was built in 1841; work on the lower section began in 1848. A route along the Canal Industrial de Manlleu and the Ter shows how water shaped the town’s industrial history. The route also offers insights into Manlleu’s industrial history, the flora and fauna of the river and canal, and the associated hydraulic structures.
Dalt Vila and the town’s history
Dalt Vila retains its medieval urban layout. The Pont de Manlleu, also popularly known as the Pont de can Moles, is the only medieval cultural heritage feature within the municipality of Manlleu to have survived in its entirety. An older trace of the past concerns the church: the first documented reference to a church dedicated to Santa Maria in Manlleu dates from 906.
For a look at art and culture, the Sala d’exposicions de Can Puget hosts a range of exhibitions throughout the year. They promote local art and culture and also present artistic projects from other regions. The exhibitions change. A specific edition of the Fira Porc i Cervesa also illustrates a culinary aspect of the town: at the 32nd edition in October 2025, traditional tastings, pairings and gastronomic activities were held in Dalt Vila.
Festa del Serpent and town routes
Every year on 14 August, Manlleu celebrates the Festa del Serpent. The nighttime performance draws on the legend of the serpent that roams the town’s streets in search of its diamond. The festival includes a theatrical walk in the morning and workshops and games for children in the afternoon; the programme may vary from one edition to another. If you are planning your visit around the festival, check the dates and details for that edition in advance.
Another way to discover Manlleu through clues and places is “Mysterium Serpentis”: the route includes seven clue stations at key points in the town and runs from the landing stage to the Font de la Mare de Déu. For cycling trips, Manlleu’s cycle network connects to the Passeig del Ter and allows you to ride throughout the town in natural surroundings. Check route conditions before setting out.
When planning, it is worth distinguishing between lasting traces of history and time-dependent programmes: the canal’s construction phases, Dalt Vila’s medieval layout and the Pont are part of the town’s history; exhibitions and individual festival events change. This lets you focus on industrial heritage, local history or outdoor activities without confusing the different offerings.
Discover more destinations: Viladellops, RubĂ, Pacs Del Penedès, Sant Bartomeu Del Grau, Sant Pau D'ordal, Vic, Olèrdola, Badalona
For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.
