Surrounded by the mountains of the Sant Llorenç del Munt i Serra d'Obac Natural Park, the city of Terrassa (215,000 inhabitants) occupies the western slope of the county of Vallès Occidental, of which it is co-capital with Sabadell. Known since Roman times as Ègara, the city experienced a great economic boom at the end of the 19th century thanks to the textile industry, as evidenced today by its important industrial heritage and especially its modernist buildings
The Fira Modernista, an unmissable event
For three days, the charming municipality of Terrassa organizes the Fira Modernista every year. The largest fair in Catalonia is an essential event on the city's agenda, but also in the region. On this occasion, the small Catalan city goes back in time and takes a trip back in time to the glorious days of modernism, at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. This festival of local tourist interest is an opportunity to attend performances, admire beautiful crafts, enjoy guided tours of the city's heritage, dress up in period costumes and attend remarkable exhibitions or workshops for children. In short, more than 300 activities are on the agenda! Created in 2003, the Fira Modernista was designed to revive the tradition of the Spring Fair that animated Terrassa in the 13th century and will celebrate its 17th edition in 2019 (from 10 to 12 May). An edition that will highlight the beginnings of cinema at the beginning of the 20th century
A unique modernist heritage
Obviously, the Fira Modernista is the perfect opportunity to discover the city's modernist heritage. When Terrassa became an important textile city, through the wool industry, it left a unique architectural heritage in Catalonia. Old factories and steam engines, houses, warehouses, fireplaces..., allow you to get to know the architecture, arts and lifestyle of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Starting with Masia Freixa. Located in the middle of the Sant Jordi park, this modernist house was originally a textile factory that was transformed into a family residence between 1907 and 1910 on behalf of the industrialist Josep Freixa. The architect Lluís Muncunill i Parellada took charge of the renovation project, drawing inspiration from Gaudí for the design of the arches and vaults. Once occupied by the Terrassa Conservatory of Music, Masia Freixa now houses the offices of the Tourist Office
It will also be necessary to take a look at the Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia (mNACTEC), near La Rambla, which takes place in the former Vapor Aymerich factory, Amat i Jover. It was built in 1907 by the architect Lluís Muncunill at the request of three industrialists from Terrassa. Today, it is the headquarters of mNACTEC and can be visited as a testimony to industrial modernism, between steam engines, boilers, fireplaces, etc. The building is simply considered one of the best examples of Catalan industrial modernism.
This modernist stroll continues at Casa Alegre de Sagrera, a former bourgeois residence located in the city centre, which houses an exceptional patio and superb stained glass windows. It also features period furniture, various modernist collections and beautiful paintings from the early 19th century.
Finally, the documentation centre and textile museum (CDMT). While it provides an understanding of all the work involved in the elaboration and manufacture of textiles and houses an important collection of modern textile art, it is housed in a modern building by architect Camil Pallàs and its modernist heritage, which brings together the creations of Catalan artists around 1900, is particularly interesting
Obviously, you should not leave Terrassa without admiring the monumental complex of churches in Sant Pere. Its three churches, built on the remains of the former bishopric of Egara (5th century), date mainly from the 6th to 9th centuries. They preserve an exceptional artistic heritage, including murals dating from the Early Middle Ages and the Romanesque period, as well as Gothic altarpieces. Nature lovers will enjoy the Sant Llorenç del Munt Natural Park and the Serra de l'Obac, a vast mountainous formation with singular landscapes made up of cornices, caves and monoliths, which contrast with the intense green of the vegetation.
Smart info
When? When? You can visit Terrassa all year round, even if the arrival of sunny days in spring is obviously the most pleasant period. To attend the 2019 edition of the Fira Modernista, please visit us from May 10 to 12
Getting there. Terrassa is located about thirty kilometres from Barcelona. Allow about half an hour
Useful. To prepare your Catalan getaway as well as possible
TERRASSA TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website, Facebook profile or Instagram page
FIRA MODERNISTA - More information on the website
