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Day Trip Guide to Vic | Medieval Town, Museums & Events
Explore medieval Vic on a day trip from Barcelona. Visit museums, Plaça Major, Roman ruins, and enjoy local food, events, and historic charm
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About a Day Trip to Medieval Vic
Vic, sometimes referred to as Vich, is the capital of the Osona region in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia. Located 69 km inland from Barcelona, halfway between the city and the Pyrenees, Vic sits in the heart of the Plains of Vic along the river Mèder. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and well-preserved architecture, Vic is an ideal day trip from Barcelona by train, bus, or car.
The town’s buildings reflect its Roman and medieval origins. Founded in the 4th century BC by the Iberian Ausetanos tribe, Vic later fell under Roman and Visigoth rule. After being destroyed by fire in 826 during a battle with the Saracens, Vic rebuilt and flourished thanks to industries like leather tanning and meat production. The arrival of the Transpirinenc railway in 1875 (now the R3 Rodalies line) connected Vic to Barcelona and helped establish it as a popular tourist destination.
Vic is renowned for its cured meats, including llonganissa, fuet, and butifarra, and boasts a charming medieval centre, excellent museums, and lively events throughout the year. It’s especially magical in winter and remains one of the most rewarding cultural escapes from Barcelona.
History of the town of Vic
Originally known as Ausa, Vic dates back to the 4th century BC. Under Roman rule, it became a prominent town with a temple built in the 2nd century AD. The Visigoths expanded Ausa until it was caught between the Moorish invasion and Christian territories. The town was nearly destroyed in 788 during a Christian-Moorish battle.
Vic was reconquered by Wilfred, Count of Urgell, and renamed Vich, derived from Vicus Ausonae. A castle was built over the Roman temple, and the town was divided into two jurisdictions: the episcopal area under the cathedral and the count-controlled zone around the castle. Wilfred fortified the town with walls and seven gates.
In 1450, Alfonso V of Aragon acquired the Montcada lands, unifying the town. Vic endured wars with France and the War of the Spanish Succession, siding with the Archduke of Austria. The 17th and 18th centuries brought economic recovery, especially through the leather industry, which thrived during the Industrial Revolution. The railway’s arrival reaffirmed Vic’s role as the capital of Osona.
During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), Francoist forces occupied Vic, damaging many churches and medieval buildings. Today, Vic’s historic centre is beautifully restored and best explored on foot via the Historic Walking Route.
Things to do and see in Vic Medieval Town
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Museu Episcopal de Vic: Medieval Art in Catalonia
Explore 29,000 medieval artefacts at MEV Vic, including Romanesque sculpture, Gothic painting, jewellery, and textiles. A top day trip from Barcelona
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Vic Town Centre Walking Guide: Plaça Major & Historic Sites
Explore Vic’s medieval town centre on foot. Visit Plaça Major, Roman ruins, Baroque houses, and iconic buildings on a scenic walking route from Barcelona
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Vic Roman Temple | Best Preserved Roman Site in Catalonia
Explore the best preserved Roman temple in Catalonia. Free entry, art exhibits, and castle ruins. A must-see day trip from Barcelona
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Vic Leather Arts Museum | Museu de l’Art de la Pell de Vic
Explore Vic’s leather heritage at the Museu de l’Art de la Pell. See chests, Cordovan boxes, guadamassil panels, and furniture from Andreu Colomer Munmany’s collection
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Map of Vic Medieval Town
Events in Vic Medieval Town
- Vic Market: Held in Plaça Major every Tuesday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. This market has operated since the 9th century and features fresh produce, meats, flowers, crafts, clothes, and accessories.
- Mercat de Música Viva de Vic (MMVV): A September music festival showcasing emerging local and international talent. In 2023, it ran from 13–16 September.
- Vic Medieval Fair: One of Catalonia’s most famous medieval fairs, held in early December. In 2023, it ran from 6–10 December. Don’t miss the illuminated Christmas tree in Plaça Major.
Tours of Medieval Catalonia including Vic
If you would prefer a day visiting Romanesque medieval architecture rather than museums, then try one of these tours.
Getting to Vic Medieval Town
Address: Vic, 08500
- By Train: Take the Renfe Rodalies R3 Line. Journey time is ~90 minutes. Trains run every 45–60 minutes from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- By Bus: Use the e12 Sagales express service. Journey time is ~70 minutes. Tickets available online, via T-casual/TT-usual cards, or in cash.
- By Car: Take the C33 motorway to the C17 dual carriageway. Exit 57 for Vic. Paid parking near Plaça Major or free parking at Avinguda d’Olimpia 1.
Where to Eat Vic Medieval Town
- Restaurant Àgape: Vegetarian cuisine. Carrer del Progrés 2.
- El Jardinet de Vic: Traditional Catalan food with a beautiful interior patio. Carrer dels Corretgers 8.
- Carbó Brasa: Grilled meats and wine in a medieval setting. Carrer de Dues Soles 8.
- El Racó Pizzeria Mediterrània: Pizza, pasta, and burgers. Plaça Major 8.
- La Flama: Pizza restaurant. Carrer de la Riera 5.
- El Caliu: Grilled meats and salads. Medieval set menu for €28. Carrer de la Riera 13.
- Viena: Catalan fast food chain. Plaça Major 6.
- La Plaça: Tapas and drinks with terrace views of Plaça Major.
Dining Tips for Vic
- Pan de Pagès / Torrades: Rustic bread served with garlic, tomato, and olive oil, topped with fuet or llonganissa.
- Main dishes: Vegetables are not included unless specified—order sides separately.
- Cava: Catalan sparkling wine similar to Champagne.
- Traditional food: Vic’s cuisine is meat- and dairy-based due to its inland location.
Documents for Vic Medieval Town
Click on any of the PDF thumbnails to view in full screen and download
Weather for Vic
Accessibility & What to take with you for Vic day trip
Vic’s historic town centre features cobbled streets, gentle slopes, and some uneven surfaces typical of medieval architecture. While many outdoor areas are accessible, visitors with reduced mobility may encounter challenges in older buildings or sites with stair-only access, such as the Roman Temple.
However, several museums—including the Leather Arts Museum and Episcopal Museum—are fully accessible, with ramps, lifts, and adapted facilities. Restaurants and public transport options are generally accommodating, though it’s advisable to check ahead for specific access needs.
Pack a small 10L rucksack with a fleece and waterproof poncho if rain is forecast. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobbled streets. Bring headphones for the Episcopal Museum audio guide.
Wikiloc Trail for Vic Medieval Town
vic01 - Vic Medieval Town Centre Walking Guide
The buildings, squares, streets & points of interest on a historic walking route through medieval Vic town centre
Transport: Rodalies or Bus Fare: €17.10 Distance: 3.75 Difficulty: EasyPlease sign in with Google to view the Wikiloc Route map.
Sign in with GoogleWhere to stay in Vic Town Centre
How much does Vic Medieval Town Day Trip Cost?
Description
Adult
Adult Discounts
Child
Child Discounts
Return bus fare from Barcelona
€ 17.10
€ 17.10
Vic Cathedral
€ 3.00
€ 0.00
Episcopal Museum (MEV)
€ 8.00
Students, Over 65 years, Disabled. €5
€ 5.00
Free for undrer 10 years
Vic Historic Town Centre Walking Route
€ 0.00
€ 0.00
Vic Roman Temple
€ 0.00
€ 0.00
Vic Leather Arts Museum
€ 2.50
€ 0.00
€ 30.6
Adult Total
€ 22.1
Child Total
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