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Rupit is perhaps one of Catalonia's best-kept secrets. About 100 kilometers from the metropolis of Barcelona, you will find this medieval village hidden deep among mountains and gorges. Although the town name Rupit will not immediately ring a bell with you, in our opinion the village belongs to the most beautiful villages of Spain. Despite its modest fame, the village attracts many visitors during the summer months. Tourists travel to the village to admire the colorful bougainvillea that dress the 17th-century stone houses and cobblestone streets. Discover in this article the most beautiful sights and all our tips for visiting the village of Rupit.
Rupit: a medieval village in the mountains of Collsacabra
The village of Rupit has only 280 inhabitants and is literally a hidden gem in the Vall de San Collsacabra, a beautiful area with mountains, gorges, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Rupit is often described as a medieval town, but in reality only the castle on the rock dates back to the Middle Ages. Almost all the houses you see in Rupit were built around the 17th century in Baroque style. Precisely because of its beautiful architecture, Rupit is a very nice town to wander through and be amazed by. Nothing suggests that a metropolis like Barcelona is so close, which also makes Rupit very attractive to visit as a nice day trip.
The historic center of Rupit
Characteristic of the historic center of Rupit are the old towns houses this dating from the 16th to the 18th century. On many facades you will still see the year of construction, along with the names of their founders. The houses often have beautiful porches and entrances, carved windows and lovely wooden balconies. Some places not to miss in the historic center are:
the photogenic streets Carrer del Fossar and Carrer de l'Església;
Plaça Major and Plaça Cavallers squares;
Notaria Soler, a mansion on Carrer del Palau that dates back to the 14th century;
Other notable properties in Rupit are Cal Mestre, Herrería and Can Sallent.
The church of Sant Miquel
The eye-catcher of Rupit is the church of Sant Miquel located in the historic center of the village. The foundation of the church dates back to the 13th century, but the bell tower as you can admire it today was built between 1786 and 1869. The former church tower is believed to have collapsed during the 1428 earthquake.
When the church is open you can climb to the top of the bell tower. To reach the top of the cathedral you have to go up through a very narrow passage, but once you get there you are rewarded with an insane view.
Pont Penjat
A fun way to to get into the historic center of Rupit is to cross the Riera de Rupit River by means of the suspension bridge, also called the Pont Penjat. The bridge dates back to 1945 and was restored in 1994. You are not allowed more than 10 people on it at a time, so don't be surprised if you have to wait a while during a visit in high season. The view from the bridge across the river and onto the old stone house is very photogenic, which is why it is also a popular spot in Rupit. On the sides of the bridge, you will find stone steps leading down to the river. From here you can also take cool photos of the bridge.
Forn de Pa L'Era
Across from the large parking lot at Rupit you will find the local bakery Forn de Pa L'Era. This bakery sells delicious snacks for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and tapas for dinner, but you can also score blissful delicacies or take a seat at the bar for a cup of coffee. A nice place to start or end your day in Rupit.
Practical tips for visiting Rupit
It is especially nice to visit the village of Rupit in spring and summer when (hopefully) the sun is shining and temperatures are pleasant. Just keep in mind that it will never be really hot in Rupit (like, for example, on the coast), this is because of its location in the mountains. In fact, winters here can also be quite cold. Bringing an umbrella is also not a luxury, as it is humid in Rupit most days of the year.
How to get to Rupit?
There are really only two options for getting to Rupit, and they are: Visiting Rupit on your own or booking an organized tour. If you are traveling by your own transportation then you can navigate to the large parking lot at Rupit, use this Google Maps location. Are you interested in an organized tour, for example a day trip from Barcelona? Then you should look at the offer on Get Your Guide.
Tours of Rupit
In spring and summer the tourist office organizes tours, you can book them on the spot in Rupit. The tourist office is located near the large parking lot and opposite the bakery. The tours are accompanied by a local guide and take you past the most beautiful sights. This is a fun way to gather a lot of information about the destination.
The surroundings of Rupit
The area around Rupit lends itself perfectly to active hiking and biking. A well-known hike is the one to the Sallent waterfall. The route runs through a landscape where you will encounter old abandoned mills, lakes, caves and several waterfalls. The Sallent waterfall is by far the highlight, as the water falls from 100 meters high here.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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