City Council of Montcada i Reixac

Montcada i Reixac is a town in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia, set on the banks of the Besòs river right at the foot of the Collserola range, only minutes from downtown Barcelona.

Where is Montcada i Reixac and why does it matter to visitors

The town grew out of two historic settlements — Montcada and Reixac — and that dual origin is still legible in its layout: an older core clustered around the hilltop castle, and a separate quarter built around the former parish of Reixac. Sitting on the Besòs has long made the town a natural corridor between the coast and inland Catalonia, while the adjoining Collserola Natural Park puts hiking and cycling trails within reach almost as soon as the built-up area ends.

What survives of the medieval Montcada castle

The Montcada castle, which gave the town its name, was the seat of the Montcada lineage, one of the most powerful noble families in medieval Catalonia, whose rise dates back to the first third of the 11th century. Little remains of the original structure beyond the homage tower, which was later repurposed to carry an optical telegraph station — the section still visible on the hill overlooking the town today. A second medieval remnant, the Torre dels Frares (Friars' Tower), is one of the few defensive structures from that era still standing in the municipality.

Sant Pere de Reixac church, more than a thousand years of continuity

Sant Pere de Reixac served as the parish church of the old settlement of Reixac. It was consecrated by the bishop of Barcelona, Guislabert, on 28 December 1049, making it one of the oldest religious buildings in the region. Its history has not been quiet: the building was damaged by fire twice, in 1652 and again in 1936, each time forcing rebuilding work that reshaped parts of the structure. Even so, it remains a reference point for the town's identity.

Casa de la Vila and everyday town life

The town's civic landmark is the Casa de la Vila, built in 1918, which has long served as both a meeting point for residents and the seat of local government. Public life gathers around it, in a town that mixes residential, industrial and service functions typical of municipalities ringing Barcelona.

Nature close at hand: Can Cuiàs and Collserola

The Can Cuiàs park, covering close to 23 hectares, is one of the most valued green spaces for locals, drawing families, runners and cyclists alike. It also functions as a gateway into the Sierra de Collserola Natural Park, whose network of trails allows for longer hikes or mountain-bike routes without ever leaving the metropolitan area. The banks of the Besòs add another option for walking and outdoor activity close to the town centre.

Local flavours

The local table draws on Catalan tradition, with dishes such as coca de recapte — a flatbread topped with vegetables and meat and baked on a tray — and botifarra, the classic Catalan sausage prepared in several regional variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Montcada i Reixac from Barcelona? The town sits right next to the Catalan capital, and reaching central Barcelona typically takes only a few minutes by public transport or car.

What are the main things to see in Montcada i Reixac? Highlights include the remains of Montcada castle, the church of Sant Pere de Reixac, the Torre dels Frares, and the early 20th-century Casa de la Vila.

Can you go hiking around Montcada i Reixac? Yes — Can Cuiàs park and the Collserola Natural Park both offer walking and cycling trails accessible directly from the town.

Where does the town's name come from? It combines two former settlements: Montcada, tied to the noble lineage of that name and its castle, and Reixac, centred on the church of Sant Pere.