The most charming towns in Osona

The region of Osona is known for its natural environment, perfect for organizing a romantic getaway as a couple or a family outing with children of all ages. However, Osona cannot be understood without the towns that make up it, all with a special charm. From the most rural to those that stand out for their modernist heritage, the region has many municipalities that are a must-see. The magazine Descobrir Catalunya has collected the towns with the most charm in Osona.

1. Tavertet

The town of Tavertet is known for being one of the most picturesque corners of the Osona region. Visiting it is a guarantee of tranquility and peace, as it is located in an unbeatable natural environment. In the town there are Romanesque monuments such as the hermitage of Sant Cornel·li, the parish of Sant Bartomeu Sesgorgues or the church of Sant Cirstòfol (which was the first building built in Tavertet).

Beyond its architectural appeal, what really stands out about Tavertet are the panoramic views it has of the Sau reservoir. In addition, the town has the viewpoint of the cliffs, to have a privileged point of view of the area. A walk through Tavertet is one of the best plans to discover the surroundings of Osona as a couple or with children.

2. Alpens

In Lluçanès, bordering Ripollès but without leaving Osona, we find Alpens. The town, still little known, stands out for its narrow and quiet streets, where it is very pleasant to walk. Among its alleys, beyond visiting the church of Santa Maria, you can find figures, decorations and forged doorknobs, a very important part of the identity of Alpens. The art of forging is so important in the town that it has become a characteristic feature, to the point of organizing the International Meeting of Forjadors, which brings together many fanatics on the penultimate Sunday in May.

3. Espinelves

Espinelves is the definition of a rural town par excellence. Although it belongs to the Girona region, it is still in Osona, and the church of Sant Esteve is its protagonist, with great value for its Romanesque architecture. All the houses in the town are grouped around the church, creating a very picturesque landscape. Beyond the architectural heritage, the natural environment of Espinelves is exceptional, and is located in one of the largest forested areas in Catalonia, perfect for family excursions and walks. If there is a special moment in Espinelves, it is the Fira de l’Avet. As Christmas approaches, the town is transformed and becomes a nativity scene with a lot of magic.

4. Sant Pere de Torelló

Sant Pere de Torelló is a simple and charming town, ideal for a getaway. Beyond the typical rural town of the region, the natural environment of the town is the most outstanding, with many options to visit as a couple or with family and children of all ages. The Fageda de Grevolosa is one of the best-known places in Sant Pere de Torelló, and the fact is that the century-old trees there impress everyone, both for the size and the beauty of the forest. This beech forest seems to be taken from a fairy tale.

Another of the essential points to enjoy Osona in its entirety is the Bellmunt sanctuary, from where you have privileged views of the Vic plain, the Pyrenees and the Vall del Ges. Jacinto Verdaguer said that it was “a hermitage suspended in the sky” and it is no less. Sant Pere de Torelló has all the ingredients to be one of the most charming towns in Osona.

5. Viladrau

Viladrau is one of the best-known and most charming towns in the Osona region. As it is a relatively large town, it combines the beauty of a rural town with all the services and activities needed for a family getaway. The town of Viladrau is full of history: the church of Sant Martí dates back to the 11th century, but in the municipality you can also see many farmhouses in Osona and modernist-style houses. In addition, it is said that Viladrau was the place where the bandit Serrallonga was born and where some witches also lived.

Beyond its historical heritage, Viladrau stands out for its natural landscape, with places such as Coll de Joan or Serra de Rosquelles, perfect for organizing excursions of all levels and for all types of groups.

6. Rupit and Pruit

Visiting Rupit and Pruit is like taking a trip back in time to the medieval era. The two towns, which have always been united, were created in 1000, with the Rupit castle. Now they are one of the most beautiful towns in the area, ideal for a romantic getaway as a couple. The wooden and stone houses and the narrow streets still seem medieval and have a very special and unique charm in Osona.

L’Agullola and the river that runs through the town are some of the natural attractions that Rupit has, which is undoubtedly one of the most popular towns in the Osona region. Rupit and Pruit receive many tourists during the year who want to visit its streets and some points known as the hanging bridge, and for this reason there are guided tours of the medieval center of the town that are very interesting, especially for families and children of all ages. It is the best way to learn in depth about the history and anecdotes of one of the most charming towns in Osona.

7. Vidrà

Like Sant Pere de Torelló, Vidrà is a town that stands out for its views. From the peaks that surround Vidrà you can see the plain of Vic and Montseny, the Pyrenees and, if the weather is good, the Bay of Roses. The natural heritage of the town of Vidrà is truly privileged and ideal for organizing excursions of all levels, for the most expert visitors and for families with children.

Around the town of Vidrà you can discover several farmhouses, churches and hermitages that make the environment very special. These can be visited on foot or by bicycle, after discovering the historic center of the town that was owned by the family of Guifré el Pilós. As is also the case with Rupit, the town of Vidrà receives many visitors, for which there are guided tours to learn about the history of the area and see up close how rural life is lived, with various activities for adults and children.

8. Sant Julià de Vilatorta

Sant Julià de Vilatorta is the town for lovers of modernist art. The municipality has a modernist route, through which all family members can discover the buildings and architectural monuments of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as learn more about how the families of Sant Julià de Vilatorta lived at that time. Among the best-known modernist buildings in the town are the Roser school, the Casal Nuria and the park of the Seven Fountains.

Architectural monuments are not the only historical heritage in Sant Julià de Vilatorta. You can also visit the Vilatorta Aerodrome, an airfield that was built by the Spanish Air Force in 1938. Sant Julià de Vilatorta is full of history lessons.

9. Folgueroles

For fans of Catalan literature, Folgueroles is a must-see. In this town, one of the most beautiful in the Osona region, Jacint Verdaguer, one of the most important poets of the modern Catalan language, lived. The Verdaguer House Museum is perfect for learning more about the poet’s life and his renowned work. The museum also organizes some highly recommended literary routes.

In addition, beyond having Jacint Verdaguer‘s house as its most popular point, Folgueroles is a town of medieval origin with the church of Santa Maria as its central point and some very charming streets. Walking through Folgueroles as a couple or with children is a simple but highly recommended option. It is also a good idea to visit the Puigleslloses dolmen, one of the best examples of its type in all of Catalonia.

10. Tavèrnoles

Sant Feliuet de Savassona, Sant Pere de Savassona, Santa Margarida d’Ardola and Sant Esteve are the protagonists of Tavèrnoles. These are the four Romanesque buildings of the town, which make Tavèrnoles one of the most beautiful rural municipalities in Osona. Beyond the Romanesque churches, Tavèrnoles is known for its archaeological wealth, and that is that sites from periods such as the Neolithic with the Fíbula ravine, the Sacrifice stone or the engraved stones have been found there. There are also remains from the Bronze Age and the Roman period, which make Tavèrnoles a small town but with enormous historical and archaeological wealth. The town is a must-see for those interested in history and archaeology and is a highly recommended visit for families with children.