Molí de la Foradada

Molí de la Foradada is an abandoned medieval watermill in the municipality of Gombrèn, in the Ripollès region, listed in Catalonia's Inventory of Architectural Heritage. It sits in a river valley surrounded by rock and woodland, right along several popular hiking routes that start from the town centre.

What's the history behind the mill?

The building dates back to the Middle Ages and originally took the shape of a tower: the upper level housed the miller's dwelling, while the milling mechanism sat below. The stonework is finely cut, with pointed gothic-style arches that point to skilled medieval masonry. Water for the mill wheel was drawn from the nearby Gorg dels Banyuts, a deep natural pool on the river — remnants of the old feeder channel are still visible today.

Around the 18th century, an annex was added in the rustic style typical of that period. A severe flood in 1940 destroyed most of the structure, leaving mainly the "mina" — an underground channel — with an unusual small spring inside, plus a section of wall with a surviving window opening. Despite the damage, the ensemble survives as a legible ruin, still holding its original machinery and millstones inside.

What legend surrounds this place?

The area around the mill is closely tied to the legend of Comte Arnau (Count Arnau), a figure from Catalan folklore condemned to eternal punishment for sins committed in life. The Gorg dels Banyuts, right by the mill, features in stories about this cursed character, adding an extra layer of folklore to a visit here.

How do you get to Molí de la Foradada?

The mill lies a few kilometres from the centre of Gombrèn and forms part of a signposted trail commonly known as the Ruta del Comte Arnau. A typical route passes the Oratori de Sant Francesc (about 0.7 km from the start), Castell de les Dames (2.3 km), the El Brull viewpoint (3 km), and reaches the mill itself at 4.5 km, continuing on to Gorg dels Banyuts (4.9 km) and the ruins of Castell de Mataplana (5.9 km). No technical skills are needed, but sturdy hiking shoes are worth wearing, since the ground is rocky and uneven in places.

What will you see on site?

Beyond the mill's own architecture — stone walls, arches, and remnants of the milling mechanism — the trail winds through scenic stretches of the river valley, rock formations, and dense woodland typical of the Catalan Pyrenees foothills. Gorg dels Banyuts, the natural pool nearby, is a popular resting point, though swimming depends on the season and water level.

When's the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with mild temperatures and the richest vegetation along the valley. In summer, the exposed sections of the trail can get hot with little shade, while in winter, the stretches closest to the river can turn slippery after rain or frost.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the mill ruins, or only view them from outside? Both — the ruins are freely accessible, though the site is abandoned and unsupervised, so care is needed when moving around the structure.

How long does it take to walk there from Gombrèn? At a moderate pace, expect around an hour one way, depending on which route variant you choose.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, with proper footwear and reasonable fitness — the terrain is physically demanding but not technically difficult.

What else is worth seeing nearby? It's worth combining the visit with the ruins of Castell de Mataplana and the Gorg dels Banyuts pool, both found along the same route.