Sant Cugat Monastery & Wine Cellar – Easy Walk via Collserola
Visit Sant Cugat’s medieval monastery and Modernist wine cooperative, then enjoy an easy, family‑friendly walk through Parc de Collserola back to Barcelona
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About Sant Cugat Monastery and Wine Cellar
This route combines a cultural morning in Sant Cugat with a relaxed, family‑friendly walk through Parc de Collserola back to Barcelona. It’s one of the best easy hikes near Barcelona and a great option for anyone looking for a beginner‑friendly walking trail close to the city. The first part of the visit explores two of Sant Cugat’s most important heritage sites: the impressive Monastery of Sant Cugat, one of the best‑preserved medieval complexes in Catalonia, and the Modernist Wine Cooperative, an early‑20th‑century architectural landmark by César Martinell. After visiting both sites, the route continues on foot through the forests, viewpoints and gentle trails of Serra de Collserola Natural Park, offering an easy and enjoyable way to return to Barcelona.
Sant Cugat Monastery
The Monastery of Sant Cugat dates back to the 9th century and is one of the most significant Romanesque cloisters in Catalonia. In 985 it was attacked by Muslim troops led by al‑Mansur Ibn Abi Aamir, who damaged the complex but also repaired parts of it and added the minaret that still stands today.
Construction of a new monastery began in the mid‑12th century and was completed in 1337. Fortification work followed in 1350. During the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), the monastery was occupied by the troops of Archduke Charles, causing significant damage. Restoration was completed in 1789, but in 1835 the monks abandoned the site, leaving it empty until restoration resumed in 1851. It was declared a National Monument in 1931 and is now a popular day trip from Barcelona.
The monastery is known for its two‑storey Romanesque cloister, designed by Arnau Cadell and his disciple Lluís Samaranch. The cloister follows the square plan typical of Catalan monastic architecture and is considered one of the finest examples in the region.
The church is Gothic, with a nave and two aisles. Its façade features a striking 8.2‑metre rose window, similar to those of the cathedrals of Barcelona and Tarragona. Inside, the church houses the Gothic altarpiece of All Saints (1375), created by the painter Pere Serra. The monastery is a highlight for visitors interested in medieval architecture near Barcelona and makes an excellent stop before beginning the walk into Collserola.
For another beautifully preserved monastic complex in Barcelona, you may also enjoy visiting the Pedralbes Monastery Museum, a serene Gothic monastery founded in the 14th century.
Sant Cugat Wine Cooperative
The Sant Cugat Wine Cooperative (also known as the Celler Modernista) was founded in 1921 by fifty‑one local viticulturists — a mix of landowners and tenant farmers — who joined forces to process their grapes collectively. The cooperative commissioned architect César Martinell, a specialist in agrarian Modernist architecture and a disciple of Antoni Gaudí. Today it is one of the best examples of Modernist industrial architecture near Barcelona.
The cooperative reached peak production around 1950, but activity gradually declined as Sant Cugat transformed from a rural town into a growing urban centre. By the late 20th century, most agricultural services had closed. In 1994, several auxiliary buildings and the vat halls were demolished to make way for new housing.
The original 1921 grape‑reception and winemaking hall, designed by Martinell, was preserved and transferred to the city. After restoration, it became part of the Museums of Sant Cugat and today offers a small but fascinating look at Catalan Modernism and the region’s agricultural heritage. It’s a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in architecture, wine history or cultural day trips from Barcelona.
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Visiting Sant Cugat Monastery and Wine Cellar
Allow 4 to 6 hours to complete the full walking route from Sant Cugat to Barcelona. This is one of the best easy walking trails near Barcelona and works well as a family‑friendly day trip combining culture, nature and gentle hiking through Parc de Collserola.
Sant Cugat Monastery
The monastery is one of the most popular cultural visits near Barcelona, and because it was abandoned by the monks in the 19th century, most relics have long since been removed. Today the complex is preserved as a museum with exhibitions on monastic life and medieval architecture. For up‑to‑date opening hours and ticket information, check the official website.
When I visited on a Sunday morning, entry was free, although the audio guide was not included. This makes it a great option for a budget‑friendly day trip from Barcelona.
- Opening Hours of Sant Cugat Monastery:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30–13:30 & 16:00–19:00 (until 20:00 from 1 June to 30 September)
- Sunday and Public Holidays: 10:30–14:30
- Closed: Monday, 1 & 6 January, 25 & 26 December
For another beautifully preserved monastic complex in Barcelona, you may also enjoy visiting the Pedralbes Monastery Museum, a serene Gothic monastery founded in the 14th century.
Sant Cugat Wine Cooperative
The wine cooperative (also known as the Celler Modernista) is a highlight for visitors interested in Modernist architecture near Barcelona. The last vinification took place in 1988, after which agricultural activity declined as Sant Cugat grew into a modern city. Several auxiliary buildings were demolished in 1994, but the original 1921 grape‑reception hall was preserved and restored.
Today it forms part of the Museums of Sant Cugat and offers a fascinating look at Catalan agrarian Modernism and early 20th‑century wine production. It’s a small but worthwhile stop on a Sant Cugat day trip.
- Opening Hours of Sant Cugat Wine Cooperative:
- Saturday: 10:30–13:30 & 16:00–19:00 (until 20:00 from 1 June to 30 September)
- Sunday and Public Holidays: 10:30–14:30
- Closed: Monday to Friday, 1 & 6 January, 25 & 26 December
Entry is free, but opening hours are limited.
Hiking from Sant Cugat to Barcelona with a Dog
This is a great dog‑friendly hike near Barcelona, but you will need to leave your dog tied outside if you plan to visit the interior of the monastery. The wine cooperative is open‑air and generally allows dogs.
The route through Collserola passes through oak, cork and some pine forest. In spring and summer, be aware of pine processionary caterpillars, which can be dangerous to pets.
The paths are wide and shared with cyclists, making this a good kid‑friendly hike as long as children and dogs are comfortable around bikes. You may also encounter occasional horse riders.
Calçotada in Restaurant Can Borell
This route is especially popular as a spring Calçotada hike: start around 09:00 and arrive at Restaurant Can Borell between 14:00 and 15:00 for the traditional set menu. It’s one of the best ways to combine a Collserola hike with a seasonal Catalan food experience.
Calçots are mild, elongated onions grown in trenches and repeatedly covered with soil to produce long white stems. They sprout into 4–10 shoots, resembling small leeks or scallions.
The tradition originates in the town of Valls, where an annual festival celebrates the harvest. Today, thousands of Calçotades take place across Catalonia each spring.
Calçots are grilled over an open flame, wrapped in newspaper and served on terracotta tiles. Diners peel them by hand and dip them into salvitxada — a sauce of almonds, garlic, tomatoes and olive oil. Expect bibs, gloves and plenty of mess; it’s part of the fun.
Want to learn more about calçots? Discover the origins, traditions and the famous annual festival in Valls in this detailed Calçots Festival guide.
What to take with you for Sant Cugat Monastery and Wine Cellar
This is an easy, family‑friendly walking route close to roads and public transport, so a small daypack is all you need. The trails are well‑maintained and shaded for much of the way, but basic preparation makes the walk more enjoyable.
- 1–2 litres of water – there are fountains along the route, but not at regular intervals.
- Comfortable walking shoes – trainers or light hiking shoes are ideal.
- Light waterproof or windproof layer – optional, depending on the weather forecast.
- Sun protection – hat, sunglasses and sunscreen in spring and summer.
- Snacks – especially if you’re not planning a Calçotada stop.
If you plan to continue through Collserola after visiting the monastery and wine cooperative, remember that mobile signal can be patchy in some forested areas, so downloading the route in advance is recommended.
Tickets for Sant Cugat Attractions
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Getting to Sant Cugat Monastery and Wine Cellar
Address: Plaza d Octavia, Sant Cugat del Valles, 08172
Visiting Sant Cugat Only: If you simply want to visit the monastery and the Modernist wine cooperative, take the FGC Vallès Lines from Plaça Catalunya to Sant Cugat. The journey is fast and frequent.
Sant Cugat is now in Zone 1, so you can use a standard T‑Casual Zone 1 ticket or a Hola‑Barcelona travel card.
Walking Route to Barcelona: I have a 13 km route through Parc de Collserola that starts at Sant Cugat FGC station and finishes at Vall d’Hebron (L3 Green Line) in Barcelona. This is an easy, family‑friendly walk with gentle forest trails and several viewpoints.
All stations along this route are in Zone 1, so the same T‑Casual or Hola‑Barcelona travel card covers the entire journey, including metro, bus and FGC services.
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