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The history of Granollers
Get to know the history of Granollers and its renowned fairs and markets
Granollers is a lively, dynamic city in a privileged location in the heart of the county of Vallès Oriental and owes its existence to its strategic position in the county. Located at a crossroads of trade routes, since Roman times it has been a meeting place and important destination for tradesmen, farmers and merchants.
Granollers, from its medieval roots to the present day
Granollers still has traces of its golden age in the 16th century when the city began to grow beyond its walls.
La Porxada, built in 1587 as a grain market, is the city’s most emblematic monument, declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest.
The city’s commercial tradition dates back centuries. There is documentary proof of an itinerant market in the 11th century, which is still as busy and popular today.
In the 16th century the new Casa de la Vila or Town Hall was built, as well as the chapels over the gates in the city walls, the Gothic church of Sant Esteve (whose bell tower can still be seen) and the emblematic La Porxada, the city’s icon, built as a grain market and today home to the weekly market.
The 19th century saw the start of Granollers’ industrial phase, with the establishment of several factories, parts of which can still be seen today, particularly the Roca Umbert Fábrica de les Arts, now converted into a cultural centre. There are also Modernista houses that were owned by leading industrialists of the time and now form part of the Modernisme Route of the Vallès Oriental.
During the Spanish Civil War, Granollers went through one of the worst periods in its history, namely the bombing of the 31st of May 1938. It began at 9.05 in the morning and lasted less than a minute. However, in that short space of time around 60 bombs were dropped. The bombing suffered by Granollers was one of the worst in the whole war, with a large number of dead and injured. As a result, the city set up more than 30 air raid shelters and two of these, reconditioned, can be visited today.
Granollers is home to the Mayors for Peace network which, together with Can Jonch. Centre de Cultura per la Pau, is a major force in issues related to peace and the retrieval of historical memory.
Discover the charm of the fairs and markets in Granollers
Granollers is a commercial city with several fairs and markets. The city hasn’t lost its essential spirit as a place for trade and an important crossroads.
Its market was first mentioned over a thousand years ago in 1044 and is still one of the busiest in Catalonia. Every Thursday it attracts hundreds of visitors thanks to its colourful, busy streets dotted with stands offering a wide range of products.
Its squares and streets fill with passers-by, strolling and hunting down the best products, taking advantage of the day to savour the traditional hearty breakfasts served on its terraces and in its restaurants.
Granollers now holds three weekly markets, every Thursday and Saturday all year round.
With a packed programme of activities throughout the year, in Granollers you can discover history, go shopping, savour a wide range of gastronomic delights, enjoy various cultural experiences and also experience its welcoming squares, fairs and markets. What’s more, it also has an internationally famous handball team.
Granollers is the county capital of the Vallès Oriental and can offer both simple town life and also the advantages of a dynamic city. It’s a friendly city, relaxing and perfect for family tourism.
Its strategic location just 10 minutes from the best beaches and 30 km from Barcelona make it a unique destination for holidays and visits throughout the province.
We look forward to seeing you!