Sant Feliu Abandoned Cement Factory Walk – Collserola Route
Explore Barcelona’s industrial heritage on an easy Collserola hike from Sant Feliu to Molins de Rei, passing the abandoned Sanson cement factory and restored quarries
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About Sant Feliu Abandoned Cement Factory
This walking route explores a lesser‑known side of Parc de Collserola: the industrial heritage that shaped Barcelona’s cement production throughout the 20th century. Starting in Sant Feliu de Llobregat and finishing in Molins de Rei, the trail passes viewpoints, forest paths and the remains of one of the region’s most important cement factories. It’s an excellent option for anyone interested in Barcelona’s industrial history, abandoned sites (viewed legally from the outside), or an easy hike near Barcelona with a unique story behind it.
The origins of the site date back to 1920, when quarrying began on the southeastern foothill of Puig d’Olorda. The operation later expanded to include the older Can Ferrers / Can Farràs quarry to the north, and both were incorporated into the Sanson cement concession. The open‑pit quarry straddles three municipalities: Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Molins de Rei and Barcelona. This makes the area one of the most interesting examples of Collserola’s industrial landscape hidden within a natural park.
The modern Sanson Cement Factory was constructed in 1967 and operated until the early 2000s. Limestone from the Silurian–Devonian formations of Puig d’Olorda was extracted and transported to the factory via enormous aerial conveyor belts — several of which can still be seen from the walking paths. The factory was originally owned by Cemex and later acquired by Cementos Molins shortly before production ceased.
Although the factory is now abandoned and strictly off‑limits, it remains an iconic landmark of Barcelona’s cement‑production heritage. The surrounding quarries closed in the late 1990s and are currently undergoing environmental restoration to return the landscape to parkland. This route allows you to safely explore the area’s history from designated paths, combining industrial archaeology with the natural beauty of Serra de Collserola Natural Park.
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Visiting Sant Feliu Abandoned Cement Factory
This 13–14 km route is one of the most unusual easy hikes near Barcelona, combining forest paths in Parc de Collserola with viewpoints over the region’s industrial past. The walk passes the exterior of the abandoned Sant Feliu cement factory and the restored quarries of Puig d’Olorda, making it a fascinating option for anyone interested in Barcelona’s industrial heritage or urban‑edge nature walks.
The quarries closed at the end of the 1990s and are now undergoing a long-term restoration project to return the landscape to parkland. From the marked trails you can safely observe the scale of the former open-pit mine, the conveyor systems and the geological layers exposed during extraction. This makes the area a popular spot for industrial archaeology enthusiasts and hikers looking for a Collserola quarry walk with a story behind it.
The factory itself is an ABANDONED industrial site where production ceased in the early 2000s. Access to the interior is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. The entire perimeter is fenced, monitored and patrolled by on-site security. Attempting to enter the factory grounds is illegal and will result in police intervention.
You can safely view the factory from the outside by staying on the public road and behind the fence line. Never cross marked danger signs or barriers. The rusted conveyor belt structures visible from the paths are heavily corroded and must not be used as bridges, shortcuts or climbing points under any circumstances.
Café at Ermita de Santa Creu d’Olorda
Near the top of the route you’ll reach the Ermita de Santa Creu d’Olorda, a popular rest point for walkers and cyclists exploring this side of Parc de Collserola. Next to the hermitage is a small café with outdoor seating, making it an ideal place to take a break before continuing toward Molins de Rei. The café serves simple snacks, sandwiches, drinks and coffee, and is especially lively on weekends. It’s a convenient stop if you’re doing the full Sant Feliu to Molins de Rei hike or if you want a midpoint break after passing the quarry viewpoints.
Hiking Parc Collserola around the Sant Feliu Abandoned Cement Factory with a Dog
This is a dog-friendly route as long as you stay on the marked paths. The forest is mainly oak and cork with some pine, so in spring and summer there may be poisonous pine processionary caterpillars.
In the quarry zone, keep dogs and children close. Off-path areas contain sudden drops, unstable rock edges and loose ground. Once you reach Creu d’Olorda, the terrain becomes safer and more suitable for relaxed walking.
This section of the route is ideal for hikers looking for a dog-friendly walk near Barcelona that combines nature with a glimpse into the region’s industrial past.
What to take with you for Sant Feliu Abandoned Cement Factory
This is an easy, well‑signposted walking route close to roads and public transport, so only basic gear is needed. A small daypack is perfect for carrying the essentials. Because the route passes restored quarry areas and exposed viewpoints, being prepared makes the walk more comfortable and safe.
- 1–2 litres of water – essential, especially in warmer months. There are fountains along parts of the route, but not near the quarry zone.
- Comfortable walking shoes – trainers or light hiking shoes are ideal for this easy hike near Barcelona.
- Light waterproof or windproof layer – weather can change quickly in Parc de Collserola, particularly on exposed ridgelines.
- Sun protection – hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended, as the quarry and factory viewpoints have little shade.
- Snacks or a light lunch – useful if you plan to stop at Creu d’Olorda or continue toward Molins de Rei without detours.
Because this route includes sections overlooking the quarry edges, avoid leaving the marked paths. Downloading the route in advance is recommended, as mobile signal can be patchy in some forested areas of Serra de Collserola Natural Park.
Sant Feliu Abandoned Cement Factory Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
Zone 1 T-casual
FREE
Child
€ 1.25
FREE
Group/Family Ticket?
No.
Notes
Walk is free, Use T-casual Zone 1 ticket.
Getting to Sant Feliu Abandoned Cement Factory
Address: Carretera del Sanson S/N, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, 08980
This route is very easy to access using public transport and works well as a car‑free day trip near Barcelona. To begin the walk, take the Rodalies (Renfe) train to Sant Feliu de Llobregat on lines R1 or R4. The station is only a few minutes from the start of the trail and is well signposted.
The route ends at Molins de Rei, also served by Rodalies R1 and R4, making it a convenient point to return to Barcelona without backtracking. This makes the walk ideal for anyone looking for a linear hiking route rather than a loop.
Because both stations are in Zone 1, you can use a standard T‑Casual ticket or a Hola‑Barcelona travel card for all metro and Renfe services.
This makes the route one of the most accessible easy hikes near Barcelona, perfect for exploring Collserola’s industrial heritage without needing a car.
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