Creu de Coll Favà

Creu de Coll Favà is a stone wayside cross in the Coll Favà neighborhood of Sant Cugat del Vallès, Catalonia, now standing within the Parc del Mirador. It's the kind of small monument you could easily walk past without noticing, yet it carries a history tied to old trade routes and a turbulent 20th century.

Where did this cross come from?

The original cross once stood beside the old road connecting Sabadell to Sant Cugat. Boundary crosses like this one — known in Catalan as "creus de terme" — were traditionally placed at the edges of towns, marking the point where travelers were welcomed in or bid farewell. Coll Favà, sitting along the route between the two towns, was a natural spot for such a marker.

The original piece was carved from stone in the classic Latin cross shape. For decades it served as a landmark for locals and travelers passing through, until history dealt it a harsh blow.

What happened to it during the war?

In 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, the cross was destroyed — its upper section was completely broken apart. This was a common fate for religious and symbolic monuments across Catalonia during that turbulent period, as many crosses, chapels, and memorials fell victim to the conflict.

The cross remained in ruins for decades until 2003, when a local association dedicated to preserving Sant Cugat's cultural heritage, working together with Penya Regalèssia, restored it.

What will you see there today?

The current structure is a new cross built using only the original shaft — the lower support section — while the rest was recreated. The new upper portion was designed by Catalan artist Josep Benet, blending a nod to the historical form with a contemporary execution.

The cross sits on a stepped, pyramidal base with a square footprint, made up of four steps. The whole composition is modest in size, but its simple geometry catches the eye — a worthwhile stop on a walk through the Coll Favà neighborhood, especially when paired with a visit to the nearby Parc del Mirador.

How do you get there?

Creu de Coll Favà is located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, a town roughly 20 km north of Barcelona, well connected by the FGC commuter rail line. From the center of Sant Cugat, you can reach the Coll Favà neighborhood on foot or by local bus — the cross sits within the park itself, making it easy to fold into a walking route through the town's green spaces.

Give yourself a little extra time, since the surrounding area rewards a longer stroll: Parc del Mirador offers views over the nearby hills, and the cross itself is a good excuse to pause and take in a bit of local history.

When should you visit?

Spring or autumn work best, avoiding the peak summer heat when walking through the park is most comfortable. There are no opening hours to worry about, since it's an open public space accessible year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Creu de Coll Favà the original historic cross? Not entirely. The original shaft survives, but the upper part of the cross was destroyed in 1936 and rebuilt in 2003 by artist Josep Benet.

Where exactly does the cross stand? In the Coll Favà neighborhood of Sant Cugat del Vallès, within Parc del Mirador.

Is it worth setting aside time to visit? It's a small but meaningful stop — best enjoyed as part of a longer walk through the park and surrounding hills rather than as a standalone destination.

Is there an entrance fee? No, it's a public urban space, freely accessible all year round.