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The province of Barcelona is a very popular tourist destination in Spain, thanks to its wide range of cultural, historical and gastronomic attractions. One of the most popular places for travellers is Cardona, a medieval town that will allow you to travel back in time and immerse yourself in the history of the region. With its imposing fortress, cobbled streets and delicious gastronomy, Cardona is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a family holiday – check out our private tours in Barcelona here!
Discovering the history of Cardona
Cardona is a town with a long and rich history, dating back to Roman times. Since then, it has been inhabited by different civilisations, such as the Visigoths and the Arabs, but its real heyday came during the Middle Ages, when it became an important centre of military and economic power. The hilltop fortress, known as Castell de Cardona, was built in the 9th century and has witnessed countless battles and confrontations. Today, the castle is one of the town’s main tourist attractions, and is perfectly preserved, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history of the place.
Exploring the nooks and crannies of the town
Cardona is a small town, but it is full of charm and hidden corners to discover. Strolling through its cobbled streets will transport you back to the Middle Ages, and you can admire buildings such as the church of Sant Miquel, the Minyona Tower and the old Hospital of Sant Joan de Déu. You can’t miss the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by medieval buildings, which is the meeting point for the town’s inhabitants. Another place not to be missed is the Portal de Berga, one of the gateways to the town, which dates back to the 14th century.
Delight in the local gastronomy
Cardona’s gastronomy is another of its great attractions. The town is located in the Bages region, known for its wine and olive oil production, as well as its cured meats and artisan cheeses. In Cardona you’ll find numerous restaurants and bars where you can try the region’s typical dishes, such as coca de recapte, a bread dough with vegetables and sausages, or xató, a salad with almond and ñoras sauce. You can also try the famous Cardona pot, a meat and vegetable stew prepared in an earthenware casserole and cooked slowly over a low heat.
Enjoy nature
Despite being a medieval village, Cardona is surrounded by nature and spectacular landscapes. A few kilometres from the village is the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park, an ideal place for hiking and other outdoor activities. You can also visit the famous Montaña de Sal de Cardona, a salt mine that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Salt Mountain is one of the largest salt mines in Europe, and inside you can take a tour of its galleries, rooms and underground lakes, as well as discovering the importance of salt in the history of mankind.
Plan your visit to Cardona
Cardona is an essential tourist destination if you visit the province of Barcelona. Its monuments, history and gastronomy make this medieval town an ideal place for a weekend getaway or a family holiday. The best way to visit Cardona is to stay in the town or in the surrounding area, where you will find a wide range of hotels and rural houses. Moreover, Cardona can be reached by car or bus from Barcelona in just over an hour, making it an accessible and easy place to visit.
In short, Cardona is a place that will transport you to another era and allow you to discover the rich history of the province of Barcelona. With its impressive fortress, cobbled streets, delicious gastronomy and spectacular landscapes, this medieval town is a complete and perfect tourist destination for any type of traveller. Don’t wait any longer and plan your visit to Cardona!
