Happy TravellerWelcome to Castellar del Vallès, a charming municipality located in the comarca of Vallès Occidental in Catalonia, Spain. This hidden gem is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, but it boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine that make it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
History:
Castellar del Vallès has a long and fascinating history that dates back to 7000 BCE. The first evidence of human presence in the area was found in the Neolithic period, around 5000 BCE. In the 7th century BCE, a small necropolis of the age of iron was discovered in the Plan of La Bruguera. In 2005, the remodelling of the centre of Castellar revealed archaeological finds that confirm the presence of a city of late Roman period, with funereal remains and others related with agricultural activity in the 4th and 5th centuries, later substituted by a Visigothic settlement in the 6th to 13th centuries. A part of the original village of Castellar Vell, excavated between 1995 and 2001, dates to the Carolingian period.
Economy:
Traditionally, the main economic source of Castellar del Vallès has been agriculture. It is based on typical Mediterranean crops such as wine, olives, wheat, dried fruit, and nuts, complemented by products of the vegetable garden. Linen and hemp have been grown on the banks of the Ripoll river since the Middle Ages. From the 19th century, an unstoppable process of industrialization being profitable exploited the power of the Ripoll river, first manufacturing wool, then cotton and continuing until the 20th century as industrial development kept on converting agricultural land into built-up areas or industrial estates, leaving agriculture as a residual economical activity. An increasingly important tertiary sector has converted the economy of Castellar into that typical of a post-industrial society. The town counts on two industrial estates where 5,000 persons work, highlighting the companies of the sector metallurgical and of the wood. Another important sector is that of the services.
Transport:
Castellar has two main roads, the C-1415a, which joins the town to Sentmenat and Matadepera, and the B124, which connects Sabadell and Sant Llorenç Savall. At the moment, there are two bus routes which serve the town, to Sagalés and Sarbus.
Politics:
Castellar del Vallès had a mayor of the Convergence and Union coalition (CiU) until 2007, even though a coalition between the Socialists Party of Catalonia (PSC) and the Unified Socialist Party of Catalonia had won the first local elections since the re-establishment of democracy. During the 1999-2003 legislature and in spite of an absolute majority, Lluís Maria Corominas i Díaz arrived at a pact with the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and PSC. The CIU party still governs, despite its loss of majority in the elections of 2003.
Sport clubs:
Castellar del Vallès is home to several sports clubs, including Club Bàsquet Castellar (Basketball), Club Patinatge de Castellar del Vallès (Skate Rolling), Club Atlètic Castellar (Athletics), Club Tennis Castellar del Vallès (Tennis), Unió Esportiva Castellar (Soccer), Club Hoquei Castellar (Rolling Hockey), and Futbol Sala Castellar (Indoor Soccer).
Village schools:
Castellar del Vallès has several village schools, including CEIP Sant Esteve, CEIP Mestre Plà, CEIP Emili Carles, CEIP El Casal, CEIP Bonavista, CEIP Joan Blanquer, CEIP El Sol i la Lluna, CEIP La Immaculada, IES Castellar, and IES Puig de la Creu.
Companies:
One of the most notable companies in Castellar del Vallès is DigiProces.
Notable people:
Castellar del Vallès is the birthplace of several notable people, including Daniel Pedrosa, World Champion of Motorcycle (250cc,125cc), José Eduardo González Navas, a Catalan politician, and Joan Blanquer i Penedès, a Catalan filmmaker.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Castellar del Vallès has something for everyone. Come and explore this hidden gem and discover why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
