Santa Coloma de Farners, the capital of the La Selva region, offers a tranquil escape from Barcelona's urban pace, featuring natural springs, historic spas, and a renowned biscuit industry. This town, located approximately 80 kilometres north-east of Barcelona, provides visitors with opportunities for relaxation, hiking, and cultural exploration.
Just outside the town centre, Sant Salvador Park provides access to abundant natural spring water. Residents and visitors often fill large containers from the park's aquifer. This aquifer delivers delicious, free water from a large rock formation. Sant Salvador Park also serves as a pleasant spot for picnics amidst streams and shaded areas.
Thermal Springs and Historic Spas
Santa Coloma de Farners sits atop medicinal thermal springs, which have attracted visitors for centuries. Termes Orion, a majestic spa constructed in 1860, uses these mineral-rich waters. Farmers harvesting hemp in the area discovered the spa's healing properties around 1700. During the Spanish Civil War, from 1936 to 1939, Republican forces used Termes Orion as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Accounts suggest that soldiers with amputated limbs found relief and aided recovery by immersing themselves in the thermal pools.
Domingo Campeny purchased the spa in 1978 when it was in ruins. He restored the building and improved its springs, adding a bamboo-lined thermal pool. Termes Orion now offers modern treatments, including massages, pedicures, facials, and specialty baths. Nearby, Magma Spa provides a family-focused experience with multiple indoor and outdoor pools. Both spas use the same thermal spring source.
Ancient Castles and Hermitages
For those seeking history and outdoor activity, Santa Coloma de Farners offers the 12th-century Farners Castle and the 11th-century Mare de Déu de Farners hermitage. A short drive from the town centre leads to the hermitage, nestled in a quiet wooded area. From there, a footpath and stone staircase ascend to the castle.
The castle's iron stairs spiral up its tower, providing expansive views of the surrounding indigo mountains and distant churches. Farners Castle also marks the beginning of a 62-kilometre, three-day hiking route. This trail connects ten hermitages and various farmhouses between L'Esparra and Anglès.
The Sweet Legacy of Trias Biscuits
Santa Coloma de Farners is also famous for its biscuit industry, a significant part of its history and economy. Around 1900, Joaquim Trias and his brother started a business making almond, sugar, and water biscuits. These were modelled after English biscuits designed for longevity. Today, four generations later, three biscuit companies in the town trace their origins back to the Trias family.
Maria Trias, a current representative of the original company, stated, "These days, we are focusing on international exportation and new biscuit recipes." The company exports its products to countries including the US, Japan, Taiwan, the UK, Germany, and France. Many people in Barcelona recognise the Trias trademark. Visitors can explore the on-site Trias biscuit museum, observe biscuit-makers through a large window, and purchase products from the gift shop.
Local Traditions and Festivals
The town celebrates several annual events that reflect Catalan culture. On 20th January each year, hundreds of walkers participate in the "Father Pilgrim" pilgrimage. This 40-kilometre journey from Tossa de Mar to Santa Coloma de Farners is a tradition observed since the 15th century. It is believed to have kept the plague away.
The last Sunday of April sees Sant Salvador Park host a celebration of the traditional Catalan sardana dance, featuring cobla bands and dancers. In May, Plaça Farners fills with stalls for an herb market, offering workshops and collecting excursions. The first Sunday in July is dedicated to "Bread with Tomato Day" in Sant Salvador Park, with communal tables, local produce, and activities. Finally, the Ratafia Festival, held on the second weekend in November, celebrates the local herbal liqueur with tastings, workshops, and a market.
Santa Coloma de Farners provides a refreshing change of pace for those seeking a break from city life. Its blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and unique local industries makes it an appealing destination. Visitors can reach the town by car in about one hour via the AP-7 motorway. Alternatively, they can take a Renfe Media Distancia train (R11 to Figures) from Barcelona Sants to Sils. Sils is approximately eight kilometres from Santa Coloma, and a short bus or taxi ride completes the journey.
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Originally published by Barcelona Metropolitan. Read original article.
