To go back a few centuries, simply visit Rupit, a medieval village in Catalonia where time seems to stand still.
Perched in a unique and picturesque location in the Collsacabra area of the Osona region.
Just over an hour from Barcelona, the town's majestic stone houses, medieval history and natural surroundings make it no surprise that it has been declared a historic and artistic site.
Today, I'd like to show you around.
Rupit in Catalonia: article summary
Rupit in Catalonia: enter via the suspension bridge!
The village of Rupit is a truly charming place. To discover this village, first cross the 28-meter suspension bridge built over the stream in 1945 and restored in 1994. A truly medieval entrance!
However, you need to be careful about your safety. It's important, no more than 10 people can cross the bridge at the same time. That doesn't mean you can't stop halfway across to enjoy the magnificent view.
Medieval-style houses
Rupit is also considered one of Catalonia's most beautiful villagesAnd rightly so. Although its population is less than 300, the town's architecture has been restored to its period charm.
The houses you can see have been built between the 16th and 17th centuries and are known for features such as wooden balconies, large windows and doors and heraldic coats of arms. Look closely and you'll see that the stones bear hand-engraved inscriptions indicating the year the house was built and identifying the family who owned it or the trade they practiced.
The oldest house dates from 1597 and you can see it on Plaça Manyà.
Getting lost in the village streets
Another way to discover the spirit of Rupit is to lose yourself in Carrer Església, in the steep, stepped alleyway of Carrer Fossar, on Plaça Major or Plaça Cavallers. Other buildings steeped in history are the Soler notary's office, the former town hall, with a door bearing the coat of arms of the family who lived there and who houses archives dating back to the 14th century.
You can also find Ca l'Apotecari (the apothecary's house, now Cal Mestre), the Ferreria (blacksmith's) and Can Sallent, buildings that served as inspiration for the Poble Espanyol in Barcelona.
Visit and Rupit: Catalonia's highest waterfall
While in Rupit, it would be a crime not to visit the Salt de Sallent, the highest waterfall in Catalonia. The views from this waterfall are a gift from nature. You can reach the base by a short one-hour hike from the village of Rupit.
Along the way, you'll find old abandoned mills, ponds, waterfalls and springs, such as the Pedretes cave and the 25-meter-high Molí Rodó waterfall.
Take a walk in the surrounding woods
The exceptional landscapes surrounding the village also deserve a mention. The Collsacabra massif, a protected natural area with vertiginous cliffs, is well worth a visit. The path winds through oak and beech woods, which in autumn light up in the ochre hues of the season.
The sunsets at Collsacabra are also incredible. For mountain bikers, Rupit is a good starting point. There are a total of 17 itineraries with over 250 kilometers of marked trails.
How do I get there?
You have several options for getting to Rupit. You can get there by rental car or by public transport.
You can take the Sagalés bus company, which operates a Barcelona-Vic-Rupit bus service.
If you've got a bit of time after your visit to Barcelona, I recommend a trip to Rupit. It's very picturesque and enjoy the unique beauty of its landscapes.
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