This is an article to let the visitor discover Terrassa with a bucket list of the best things to do in a tourist visit. Terrassa has always been in the eyes of most Catalans basically an industrial city. It is indeed a large city, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, in the center of Catalonia. However, in the collective imagination, Terrassa is not a tourist destination. Too gray, let’s say. In fact, very few people visit it except for work or to meet with relatives who live there. Big mistake!
Despite those facts, the city has been modernizing for a long time, correctly preserving its heritage and learning to spread it. So much so, that the city has been adding a wide range of options for visitors. Whether to visit its heritage or about things to do. Terrassa is actually nowadays a city of culture, industrial tourism and Romanesque heritage. Its various possibilities to spend a day of tourism and its good gastronomy make it one of the most interesting places to visit in the province of Barcelona. An ideal plan for a one-day visit from Barcelona or a full weekend adding the unbeatable destinations nearby.
Terrassa bucket list
Masia Freixa, our favorite of the best things to do in Terrassa
La Masia Freixa was the family residence of the Freixa family. That was one of the best-known families in the city. However, the building was first conceived in 1896 as a textile factory, until a few years later the architect Lluís Muncunill i Parellada adapted it to a modernist-style family home.
Masia Freixa is located in the Parc de Sant Jordi, the oldest park in the city of Terrassa. It is possible to admire the Masia Freixa from the outside for free. There is also the option of taking a free guided tour of it organized by the town hall. We approached to ask and it was possible to take a look inside without any reservation.
Seu d’Egara, one of the best things to do in Terrassa
On a cultural and tourist level, Seu d’Egara is perhaps the most notable element of Terrassa. It is made up of 3 Romanesque churches: San Pere, Sant Miquel and Santa Maria, on a natural elevation next to the old center of Sant Pere de Terrassa. This set of Churches of Sant Pere, is deservedly considered one of the pillars of Romanesque art. Formerly it was the seat of the old bishopric of Égara until the 8th century and is cataloged as an Asset of Cultural Interest and Historical Heritage of Spain. The monumental complex of La Seu d’Egara has opted to form part of the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Cartoixa Castle of Vallparadis
It is a beautiful medieval castle from the beginning of the 12th century, which was converted into a Charterhouse between the 14th and 15th centuries. It is currently the headquarters of the Terrassa Museum and inside we can see several key works and objects in the history of the city. The Castell Cartoixa de Vallparadís can be visited from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Sundays, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free the first weekend of the month.
MNATEC: Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia
The museum is located in the old textile factory, the Vapor Aymerich, Amat i Jover, on the Rambla de Egara, one of the main arteries of the city. The museum traces the history of industry in the area and is widely visited by groups of students from all over Catalonia.
Casa Alegre de Sagrera
This is a museum house from the beginning of the 19th century, which was profoundly renovated at the beginning of the 20th century. Modernist elements can be seen, although Noucentista concepts dominate. The best part of the visit will be the patio and the window that overlooks it, due to its notable decorative elements. Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. Just take advantage of that moment.
Palau Tower
In the old town of Terrassa, between Carrer Cremat and Carrer Gavatxons, the visitor will find the Palau Tower (Cat: Torre del Palau). This tower is the only element of what was once the castle palace of Terrassa. It is a cylindrical tower, with 4 floors and about 30 meters high. It can currently be visited and contemplate extraordinary views of the city from above.
A guided tour is offered on the fourth Saturday of each month for €4 at 11am.
Plaça Vella
In Plaça Vella we find the Cathedral of Sant Esperit. It is a renovated cathedral that looks more bizarre than old. The square is a meeting place for all types of public. It is usually very crowded, especially on weekends. The bars that surround it offer dangerous and interesting combos of vermouth with snacks.
Vallparadís Park
Vallparadís Park is a large natural space within the urban area that runs from north to south through the city of Terrassa. With its 3,500 meters in length, it is the largest urban park in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. It is a delight for families, couples and athletes who do jogging or exercises of all kinds.
Mercat de la Independència
Mercat de la Independència is a building of the municipal architects Antoni Pascual i Carretero and Melcior Vinyals i Muñoz. it dates back to 1908 and has three fan-shaped naves and an area of 3,175 square meters. This ancient market is one of the most emblematic modernist buildings in Terrassa. Nowadays, due to its location, it is still very vivid as a trade point to purchase food stuff.
How to get to Terrassa
Car
From Barcelona to Terrassa on the C-58 it is a 30-minute trip. Through the Vallvidrera Tunnels (C-16) it takes 20 minutes, but the cost of the toll is rarely worth it.
Train
The train connection with Barcelona is very good. There are two types of trains that connect Terrassa with Barcelona, the state-owned RENFE Rodalies or the Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
Where to sleep in Terrassa
The accommodation in the city is not great. You can find a classic hotel designed for business travelers such as Don Candido or tourist apartments that have recently come onto the market taking advantage of the proximity of Barcelona.
Enjoy our discounts in the place
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