Osona, a region full of contrasts and with landscapes where culture and history come together to offer some unique experiences and great interest.
Osona is an interior region located in the Central Catalan Depression, halfway from the Pyrenees and Barcelona's metropolitan area. His landscapes are changing and offer an interesting diversity from the vast plain of Vic and the Ter valley to the mountain ranges of Monseny, Collsacabra Guilleries Vidranès and Lluçanès. We can not forget history, commercial and cultural heritage of the city of Vic: Modernism, festivals and markets, the Cathedral, the Episcopal Museum, etc. It is an area with many attractions and places to discover.
Environmental tourism resources:
Montseny Natural Park: Located at the eastern end of the Catalan pre-coastal mountain range, this is one of the largest protected parks known in Catalonia. It rises between the valleys of the region of Selva, Osona, and Vallès Oriental 30.000 hectares over. We can easily access from anywhere and enjoy the pleasures that offers environmental, with changing landscapes of forests of oak, beech and chestnut trees and excellent views over the whole territory. There are a lot of trails on foot or by mountain bike marked suitable for all ages. Highlight excursions to the highest peaks: Matagalls, Les Agudes and the Turo de l'Home. The latter is also accessible by private vehicle.
Natural Area-Savassona Guilleries: in the eastern part of the region find this area of great natural interest, from the plain of Vic, Collsacabra, Montseny and the region of Selva. The landscape is dominated by the difference in the two regions: a typical Mediterranean forest other central European forests. The Sau reservoir and major rock cliffs that surround it form a striking landscape. There are points of interest include the Gorge Horadada or Salto de Sallent (waterfall of 100 m).
Castle Park of Montesquiu: in the Pre-Pyrenean region north of the eastern Osona, this park relatively small size is separated into two parts by the river Ter. Its geography is very irregular, being the most rugged west. The landscape is mainly based on crops and pastures, forests of pines and oaks and the river Ter with elms, poplars and willows. There are a large number of buildings highlighted as Montesquiu Castle, the Romanesque chapel of St. Moi and the bridge of the Codines.
Cultural Resources:
Vic: The capital of Osona has one of the most superb historic centers of Catalonia with features mostly medieval but we can also find modernist touches or rosemary. Its historic center is quite pedestrian and lost by narrow streets and squares is necessary to know first hand each of the charms of the hull. Mercadal Square is the focal point of this town and where the business has been done historically. The large size of the square, its arcades and some of its buildings make this area a great place. Modernist buildings and Gothic buildings dating from the fourteenth century and which houses the municipal archives, the Consistory Hall and Gallery of Illustrious Vigatans. The historical center is home to a large number of religious buildings
Vic Cathedral: Located in the old part of town, this stunning building has undergone many changes since its first construction (dated the year 516), which led to mix different architectural styles from Romanesque, Neoclassical, the Gothic and Baroque. In 1931 it was declared a national monument and is now the seat of the diocese of Vic
Episcopal Museum of Vic: next to Vic's Cathedral, this museum contains a very interesting medieval rich, specialized in liturgical art, sculpture and painting Catalan Romanesque and Gothic. In 2001 he was honored as the Museum of National Interest. There are a wide variety of exhibitions and activities for both children and adults.
Rupit: This is a small village between Vic and Osona Collsacabra in the mountains, in a privileged environment. Its narrow streets, up and down, and their houses from the XVI and XVII do have a special charm. It is considered the historic and artistic for its rustic atmosphere, good conservation and floral ornaments of the buildings. The Rupit, which crosses the village, you can cross the wooden suspension bridge over 20 metres.
From the same people go different routes, the most prominent is the Salto de Sallent (80metros cascade), lasting half an hour.
Sant Pere de Casseres: Located on a spectacular bend of the river Ter and in a natural surrounding, we can find this Romanesque Benedictine monastery founded in the tenth century which has spectacular views over the fields, forests and the river itself . Historic-artistic monument in 1931. We can easily reached by private vehicle, but if you want you can walk through a very well marked path suitable for the whole family departs from the Parador de Sau.
Traditional Festivals:
”Mercat de Música Viva de Vic”: middle of September since 1989, this exhibition brings together professionals and music lovers who enjoy the more than 100 actions that are carried out in different urban settings.
Same time there are exhibitions, congresses and all kinds of events related to the world of music. During the 5 days of the festival, Vic brings thousands of visitors and live-intensive one of the most important events in the region.
Medieval Market of Vic: early December to coincide with the Constitution Bridge, Vic turns into a medieval city for four days. The city is transformed to revive the lifestyle of the Middle Ages more than 350 stations spread all around the old town. In its streets you will find all kinds of characters dressed up selling traditional foods, handicrafts and trades are old ...
Active tourism
The region offers great opportunities for mountain bike enthusiasts, as it is the region that has more centers of Catalonia BTT. The three Osona BTT Centres are in Tavèrnoles, Vic and the Lluçanès Prats and to find a host with information and services, and more than a hundred miles of signposted walks all freely available.
Ter Route: cycling and hiking route that follows the course of the River Ter from the Pyrenees to the coast, passing through different regions of northeastern Catalonia. The central part of the route has several stages for Osona region.
In addition, Osona gives us the opportunity to enjoy all kinds of sports always in touch with nature: 4x4, golf, horse riding, water sports in the Sau reservoir, hiking, climbing, etc.
Next to Osona- Barcelona.
Natural Park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone: a large protected area of a 15.000h, considered one of the best examples of volcanic landscape of the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important in Europe. In this park we can find up to 40 volcanic cones in a very good state and more than 20 basaltic lava flows. The rich soil and climate in this area encourage growth of a unique vegetation, such Jordà Fageda. There are 28 trails, most of them marked.
Jordà Fageda: it is one of 26 nature reserves of the Natural Park of Volcanic Zone of the Garrotxa. We have access from the area of Can Serra, where there is a point of information and a car park. This is a beech forest unique because it grows on the side of the volcano's lava flow of Croscat in a humid area, with a hilly terrain. A well-signposted route 1.5 km allows us across this place that inspired the writer Joan Maragall to write one of his works.
Monastery of St. Benet of Bages: this is a Benedictine monastery founded in the tenth century, a few miles from St. Fruitós of Bages, medieval architecture and surrounded by a beautiful natural environment. This was renovated by Josep Puig twentieth century opened in 2007 after a great investment.
The Far Sanctuary: in the easternmost part of the Tavertet cliffs, there is the risco de el Far 1123 meters above the sea level. Em the sanctuary of Mare de Deu del Far, Gothic church from the 15th century, there is a restaurant and a leisure area. The views are spectacular: in days without clouds you can see many places of Catalonia as the Pyrenees, the Medes Islands, Montserrat. It can be accessed from San Marti Sacalm.