| At the end of the 19th
century, the Alt Penedès area underwent a transformation
process that must be considered in relation to the social
phenomenon of summer-resorting and the resurgence of
the wine-growing industry.
Diverse towns of the Penedès area, such as Vilafranca,
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia and Gelida, grew popular
among the bourgeoisie, who established their second
residences there to spend the summer.
Many of these second residences reflected the aesthetic
current, Modernisme that had become prevalent in Barcelona.
Modernisme reached Gelida with a certain delay, mixed
with eclectic tendencies. It is basically an ornamental
Modernisme that maintains elements of the Catalan construction
tradition while using the new materials that were coming
to prevail (wrought iron, glazed ceramics, hydraulic
floor tiles, trencadís mosaic, etc.).
The route begins at the square called Plaça de
l'Església, where a brief introduction is given
to Modernisme in the Penedès area and specifically
in Gelida. Then we go to Carrer Mossèn Jaume
Via, one of the main streets of town, where some of
the most representative houses of Gelida’s Modernisme
are to be seen: Casa Cal Boada (architect: Mariano Mas
Civil, 1910), Casa Delgado (Joan Rubió i Bellver,
1910) and the Casa Figueras (Mariano Mas Civil, 1912).
We then walk down a stretch of Carrer Major or Main
Street, visiting the Casa Can Palahí and the
Can Casa Folch (1911). From Carrer Major we turn off
to Carrer Sant Lluís, where there are three magnificent
examples of summer houses: Ca la Sara (Pere Ros i Tort,
1909), Cal Jové (Arnald Calvet, 1913) and Can
Valls (1891).
The visit ends at Carrer Barceloneta where we find Cal
Pallejà, once the house of the poet Ramon Pallejà
i Camaló and the scene of Floral Games, theatrical
performances, and recitals of the Gelida Choir.
Practical information
Guided tour:
The tour is made on the last Sunday of each
month*, beginning at the square called Plaça
de l'Església and ending at Plaça de la
Vila. It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Participation is by appointment, at least 3 days in
advance. For reservations, call the Interpretation Centre
of Gelida Castle.
* Special times by appointment for group visits.
Hours:
Time and meeting point: 12 o’clock noon. Plaça
de l'Església.
Groups:
Maximum 25 persons (minimum 8 persons)
Price:
€ 3 / person (children under the age of 11 years,
free)
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