Natural Park Network

Barcelona Provincial Council’s Natural Park Network consists of 12 natural areas of significant landscape, environmental and cultural value.

The Network guarantees the territorial and environ-mental balance of the 100 towns within its geographi-cal area.

It covers an area of 101,576 hectares, which repre-sents 22% of the territory in which 70% of the popu-lation of Catalonia lives.

It plans and manages natural and agricultural areas through special plans drawn up with the participation of all of the stakeholders.

It protects the natural, agricultural, forestry, cultural and landscape values of each park.

It works towards a balance between the preserva-tion of the parks and the economic development of the area.

It encourages the public use of natural heritage.

English

ww

w.d

iba

.ca

t/

pa

rc

sn

PROVINCIA DE LLEIDA

PROVINCIA DE GIRONA

PROVINCIA DE BARCELONA

PR

OV

INC

IA D

E

TAR

RA

GO

NA

Natural Park Network101,576 hectares of protected nature areas

Dire

cció

de

Com

unic

ació

. Cov

er p

hoto

: Iña

ki R

elan

zón.

DL:

Serralada de Marina Park

Located in the Serralada Litoral mountain range, Serralada de Marina Park is bordered to the west by the Besòs riv-er and Collserola Park and to the north-east by Serralada Litoral Park. It falls between the regions of El Barcelonès, El Maresme, El Vallès Occidental and El Vallès Oriental.

With an area of 2,086 hectares, this space is of particular environmental, cultural and landscape interest. This is com-pounded by its location, beside one of the most densely populated areas of the metropolitan region of Barcelona. Thanks to this strategic position—surrounded by the Besòs plain to the west and south, and by El Maresme to the east, both extremely economically dynamic areas—the southern sector of the Serralada de Marina mountain range plays a key role in defining the territorial structure of this zone.

The Serralada de Marina Park Consortium consists of the towns of Badalona, Montcada i Reixac, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sant Fost de Campsentelles, Tiana, the Asso ciation of Municipalities of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona and the Barcelona Provincial Council.

The Special Plan, which is sensitive to the specific prob-lems facing peri-urban areas, regulates this territory and establishes the basic criteria for environmental and land-scape protection and improvement, combining the conser-vation of natural and cultural heritage with the use of the area and the continuation of economic activities.

the significant settlement in rural areas. The majority of the coun-

try estates that exist today in the Marina area are descendents

of these Roman settlements. Some examples of this are Can

Sant-romà (or Senromà), Can Butinyà, Can Mora, Can Pujol or El

Mas Boscà. The decline of the Roman Empire (3rd century) and

the first Germanic invasions had a major impact on the country.

Baetulo was destroyed. The Visigoth invasion and later the Arab

invasion (8th century) emptied the coastal areas and occupa-

tion moved inland, for example to the Pomar valley. Later, villag-

es were set up around churches, such as Sant Pere de Reixac

and Sant Cebrià de Tiana (now the church of La Mare de Déu de

l’Alegria), or around significant religious buildings such as Sant

Jeroni de la Murtra and the Carthusian monastery of Montalegre.

A series of kings lived at Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, part of the Hi-

eronymite order (the order responsible for the construction of the

chapels of Sant Climent, Sant Onofre and La Miranda) and it was

here that Christopher Columbus was received on his return from

his first voyage to America. The Carthusian monastery of Mon-

talegre can be considered from an architectural perspective as

an almost perfect example of a Carthusian structure.

La Torre Codina (14th century), Can Miravitges (15th century), Torri-

bera (15th century) and Can Moià (14th century) are buildings that

form part of estates and farms that grew up as a result of a time

of prosperity for the traders of Barcelona.

Among the feudal houses

and castles, the Torre Pa-

llaresa and Gotmar cas-

tle are worth mentioning.

In the 20th century, mid-

dle-class Barcelona families

built houses here in which to

spend the summer, such as

Can Valentí, Can Miralpeix

(Torre Oriol), Can Bonet and

Can Toi.

Physical context

Geographically speaking, the area corresponds to the southern

edge of the Serra¬lada de Marina mountain range, in the sector

known as the La Conreria mountains, which runs parallel to the

coastline from south-west to north-east.

The landscape generally consists of rolling hills due to the mod-

elling caused by the erosion of the predominant granite mate-

rials, broken up in some places by outcrops of other rock

types. The highest point is the Galzeran hill, with an

altitude of 485 m.

The torrents and streams in the park have hol-

lowed out riverbeds in the highest and most

steeply sloping areas, which give way to

gentler, broader watercourses in the mid and

lower valleys. The main soil type is granite

sand, which is very characteristic of the area

and is the result of the grinding down of granite.

Flora and fauna

Its geographical location means that the Serralada de Marina

mountain range is situated at the heart of the Mediterranean

biogeographical area. The differences in relief and aspect of

the area have led to a great richness of species and diversity

of natural systems.

The shady valley sides house natural formations native to wetter

zones, such as holm oak and common oak groves. The natu-

ral systems of the sunny sides of the valleys are those native

to dry zones, and the vegetation here consists of shrub and

herbaceous communities, with some groves of trees consist-

ing mainly of stone pine. Within this context, there are some

formations that are of interest due to their rarity, vulnerability,

unique nature and state of preservation, such as the beard

grass meadows and the areas of scrubland, brush and maquis

which house extremely diverse species of flora and fauna. In

areas where low shrub growth dominates, species of fauna na-

tive to open spaces can be found, some of which are extremely

rare in Catalonia; breeding and trans-Saharan migratory spe-

cies such as the black-eared wheatear, the Orphean warbler,

the woodchat shrike and the tawny pipit. The park is also an

important stop-off point on the migratory route of birds of prey

such as the red-footed falcon or the Eleonora’s falcon.

The riverside plant colonies should also be

highlighted, as these provide a veritable net-

work of biological connectors. Some of

the highlights of the main plant commu-

nities are the groves of chaste tree

that still grow alongside sever-

al streams on the coastal side,

and the magnificent riparian for-

est, with highly significant species

such as the European alder and the

common hazel.

Socio-economic context

Activity linked to forestry is sym-

bolic. The high levels of public

use of the woodlands and the

social function and role in en-

vironmental protection of these

take precedence over the eco-

nomic aspect.

In terms of agricultural activity, there are 240 hectares of land

classified as agricultural land, half of which are used in the culti-

vation of grape vines, with the rest used for orchards, animal fod-

der production and cereals.

Today a great deal of tradi-

tionally agricultural land is

located in peri-urban are-

as and suffers from strong

pressure to build on this

land. In terms of the indus-

trial sector, opencast mining

is particularly noteworthy.

This has left and continues

to leave its mark on the environment and the landscape.

Architectural heritage

The area covered by Serralada de Marina Park is a good exam-

ple of the history of the population of Catalonia. The Iberian set-

tlements of Puig Castellar, the Maleses hill and the En Boscà hill,

with their defensive walls, remind us of the first people to settle

on the peaks and hills. With the incorporation of the area into

the Roman world (2nd century BCE), these fortified and walled

villages disappeared and the grouping of people in cities began,

such as in the example of nearby Baetulo (Badalona), as well as

Iñaki Relanzó

n

E. B

ellapart

S. S

ánch

ez (A

rxiu

XP

N)

E. B

ellapart

Comte d’Urgell 187Edi�ci del Rellotge, 3a planta08036 BarcelonaTel. 934 022 400Fax 934 022 439xarxaparcs@diba.cat www.diba.cat/parcsn

Àrea d’Espais NaturalsXarxa de Parcs Naturals

Parc de la Serralada de Marina

A. Perelló

Natural Park NetworkCastell de Montesquiu Park, Les Guilleries-Savassona Natural Area, El Montseny Natural Park, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park , El Montnegre i el Corredor Park, Serralada Litoral Park, Serralada de Marina Park, Collserola Park, El Baix Llobregat Agrarian Park, El Garraf Park, Olèrdola Park, El Foix Park.

The Serralada de Marina Park Consortium consists of: Barcelona Provincial Council, the Asso ciation of Municipalities of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, Badalona Town Coun cil, Montcada i Reixac Town Council, Sant Fost de Campsentelles Town Council, Tiana Town Council and Santa Coloma de Gramenet Town Council.

S. S

ánchez (Arxiu X

PN

)

Natural Park Network

Barcelona Provincial Council’s Natural Park Network consists of 12 natural areas of significant landscape, environmental and cultural value.

The Network guarantees the territorial and environ-mental balance of the 100 towns within its geographi-cal area.

It covers an area of 101,576 hectares, which repre-sents 22% of the territory in which 70% of the popu-lation of Catalonia lives.

It plans and manages natural and agricultural areas through special plans drawn up with the participation of all of the stakeholders.

It protects the natural, agricultural, forestry, cultural and landscape values of each park.

It works towards a balance between the preserva-tion of the parks and the economic development of the area.

It encourages the public use of natural heritage.

English

ww

w.d

iba

.ca

t/

pa

rc

sn

PROVINCIA DE LLEIDA

PROVINCIA DE GIRONA

PROVINCIA DE BARCELONA

PR

OV

INC

IA D

E

TAR

RA

GO

NA

Natural Park Network101,576 hectares of protected nature areas

Direcció d

e Com

unicació. Cover p

hoto: Iñaki Relanzón. D

L:

Serralada de Marina Park

Located in the Serralada Litoral mountain range, Serralada de Marina Park is bordered to the west by the Besòs riv-er and Collserola Park and to the north-east by Serralada Litoral Park. It falls between the regions of El Barcelonès, El Maresme, El Vallès Occidental and El Vallès Oriental.

With an area of 2,086 hectares, this space is of particular environmental, cultural and landscape interest. This is com-pounded by its location, beside one of the most densely populated areas of the metropolitan region of Barcelona. Thanks to this strategic position—surrounded by the Besòs plain to the west and south, and by El Maresme to the east, both extremely economically dynamic areas—the southern sector of the Serralada de Marina mountain range plays a key role in defining the territorial structure of this zone.

The Serralada de Marina Park Consortium consists of the towns of Badalona, Montcada i Reixac, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sant Fost de Campsentelles, Tiana, the Asso ciation of Municipalities of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona and the Barcelona Provincial Council.

The Special Plan, which is sensitive to the specific prob-lems facing peri-urban areas, regulates this territory and establishes the basic criteria for environmental and land-scape protection and improvement, combining the conser-vation of natural and cultural heritage with the use of the area and the continuation of economic activities.

the significant settlement in rural areas. The majority of the coun-

try estates that exist today in the Marina area are descendents

of these Roman settlements. Some examples of this are Can

Sant-romà (or Senromà), Can Butinyà, Can Mora, Can Pujol or El

Mas Boscà. The decline of the Roman Empire (3rd century) and

the first Germanic invasions had a major impact on the country.

Baetulo was destroyed. The Visigoth invasion and later the Arab

invasion (8th century) emptied the coastal areas and occupa-

tion moved inland, for example to the Pomar valley. Later, villag-

es were set up around churches, such as Sant Pere de Reixac

and Sant Cebrià de Tiana (now the church of La Mare de Déu de

l’Alegria), or around significant religious buildings such as Sant

Jeroni de la Murtra and the Carthusian monastery of Montalegre.

A series of kings lived at Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, part of the Hi-

eronymite order (the order responsible for the construction of the

chapels of Sant Climent, Sant Onofre and La Miranda) and it was

here that Christopher Columbus was received on his return from

his first voyage to America. The Carthusian monastery of Mon-

talegre can be considered from an architectural perspective as

an almost perfect example of a Carthusian structure.

La Torre Codina (14th century), Can Miravitges (15th century), Torri-

bera (15th century) and Can Moià (14th century) are buildings that

form part of estates and farms that grew up as a result of a time

of prosperity for the traders of Barcelona.

Among the feudal houses

and castles, the Torre Pa-

llaresa and Gotmar cas-

tle are worth mentioning.

In the 20th century, mid-

dle-class Barcelona families

built houses here in which to

spend the summer, such as

Can Valentí, Can Miralpeix

(Torre Oriol), Can Bonet and

Can Toi.

Physical context

Geographically speaking, the area corresponds to the southern

edge of the Serra¬lada de Marina mountain range, in the sector

known as the La Conreria mountains, which runs parallel to the

coastline from south-west to north-east.

The landscape generally consists of rolling hills due to the mod-

elling caused by the erosion of the predominant granite mate-

rials, broken up in some places by outcrops of other rock

types. The highest point is the Galzeran hill, with an

altitude of 485 m.

The torrents and streams in the park have hol-

lowed out riverbeds in the highest and most

steeply sloping areas, which give way to

gentler, broader watercourses in the mid and

lower valleys. The main soil type is granite

sand, which is very characteristic of the area

and is the result of the grinding down of granite.

Flora and fauna

Its geographical location means that the Serralada de Marina

mountain range is situated at the heart of the Mediterranean

biogeographical area. The differences in relief and aspect of

the area have led to a great richness of species and diversity

of natural systems.

The shady valley sides house natural formations native to wetter

zones, such as holm oak and common oak groves. The natu-

ral systems of the sunny sides of the valleys are those native

to dry zones, and the vegetation here consists of shrub and

herbaceous communities, with some groves of trees consist-

ing mainly of stone pine. Within this context, there are some

formations that are of interest due to their rarity, vulnerability,

unique nature and state of preservation, such as the beard

grass meadows and the areas of scrubland, brush and maquis

which house extremely diverse species of flora and fauna. In

areas where low shrub growth dominates, species of fauna na-

tive to open spaces can be found, some of which are extremely

rare in Catalonia; breeding and trans-Saharan migratory spe-

cies such as the black-eared wheatear, the Orphean warbler,

the woodchat shrike and the tawny pipit. The park is also an

important stop-off point on the migratory route of birds of prey

such as the red-footed falcon or the Eleonora’s falcon.

The riverside plant colonies should also be

highlighted, as these provide a veritable net-

work of biological connectors. Some of

the highlights of the main plant commu-

nities are the groves of chaste tree

that still grow alongside sever-

al streams on the coastal side,

and the magnificent riparian for-

est, with highly significant species

such as the European alder and the

common hazel.

Socio-economic context

Activity linked to forestry is sym-

bolic. The high levels of public

use of the woodlands and the

social function and role in en-

vironmental protection of these

take precedence over the eco-

nomic aspect.

In terms of agricultural activity, there are 240 hectares of land

classified as agricultural land, half of which are used in the culti-

vation of grape vines, with the rest used for orchards, animal fod-

der production and cereals.

Today a great deal of tradi-

tionally agricultural land is

located in peri-urban are-

as and suffers from strong

pressure to build on this

land. In terms of the indus-

trial sector, opencast mining

is particularly noteworthy.

This has left and continues

to leave its mark on the environment and the landscape.

Architectural heritage

The area covered by Serralada de Marina Park is a good exam-

ple of the history of the population of Catalonia. The Iberian set-

tlements of Puig Castellar, the Maleses hill and the En Boscà hill,

with their defensive walls, remind us of the first people to settle

on the peaks and hills. With the incorporation of the area into

the Roman world (2nd century BCE), these fortified and walled

villages disappeared and the grouping of people in cities began,

such as in the example of nearby Baetulo (Badalona), as well as

Iñak

i Rel

anzó

n

E. B

ella

par

t

S. S

ánchez (Arxiu X

PN

)

E. B

ella

par

t

Comte d’Urgell 187Edi�ci del Rellotge, 3a planta08036 BarcelonaTel. 934 022 400Fax 934 022 439xarxaparcs@diba.cat www.diba.cat/parcsn

Àrea d’Espais NaturalsXarxa de Parcs Naturals

Parc de la Serralada de Marina

A. Perelló

Natural Park NetworkCastell de Montesquiu Park, Les Guilleries-Savassona Natural Area, El Montseny Natural Park, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park , El Montnegre i el Corredor Park, Serralada Litoral Park, Serralada de Marina Park, Collserola Park, El Baix Llobregat Agrarian Park, El Garraf Park, Olèrdola Park, El Foix Park.

The Serralada de Marina Park Consortium consists of: Barcelona Provincial Council, the Asso ciation of Municipalities of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, Badalona Town Coun cil, Montcada i Reixac Town Council, Sant Fost de Campsentelles Town Council, Tiana Town Council and Santa Coloma de Gramenet Town Council.

S. S

ánch

ez (A

rxiu

XP

N)

Motorway

N-road

Path

Railway

GR trail

Footpaths

Population centre

Park boundary

PEIN

Summit

Mas (isolated farm)

Panoramic view

Picnic area

Equestriansports

Railwailstation

Metrostation

Bus station

Hospital, casualdepartment

Petrol station

Car-park

Park office

Information

Historicbuilding

Natureschool

Astronomyobservatory

Markedroute

Drinking water

Restaurant

Park amenities and servicesConventional symbol

Visits and areas of interest

• Iberian settlements: The various historical sites, such as

the Iberian settlements of Puig Castellar (5th-2nd centu-

ries BCE), the Les Maleses hill (3rd-2nd centuries BCE) and

the En Boscà hill (3rd-2nd centuries BCE), provided good

examples of the early human settlement of the mountain

range.

• Chapels and monasteries: The chapels of Sant Climent

and Sant Onofre, the monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra

and the church of Sant Pere de Reixac are good represen-

tations of the area’s historical heritage.

• The springs: There are several springs in Serralada de

Marina Park where visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk in

cool, fresh surroundings. These include the Alzina spring,

the Alba spring, the Tort spring, the Pop spring, the Amigó

spring, the Caçadors spring and the Avellaners spring.

• The peaks: Some peaks, such as Puig Castellar (303 m)

and the Galzeran hill (485 m) provide excellent pano-

ramic views of the coastal side of the park and into the

Vallès region, as well as serving as strategic points for

the observation of migrating birds of prey throughout the

autumn.

• Recreation areas: In order to provide spots in which visi-

tors can rest and enjoy a picnic in the fresh air, recreation

areas have been provided at the Alzina spring, the Alba

spring and Can Ruti.

Trails

The long-hike trail GR 92 (Portbou-Ulldecona) crosses Serra-

lada de la Marina Park on the stretch from the Galzeran hill

to Torre dels Frares, passing through La Conreria and Sant

Jeroni de la Murtra, among other spots.

Park amenities

Park officeLa ConreriaCtra. B-500, km 608391 TianaTel. 933 956 336 · Fax 933 956 768p.smarina@diba.cat · www.diba.cat

La font de l’Alzina Information PointCamí de la Font de l’Alzina, s/n08924 Santa Coloma de GramenetTel. 934 680 199Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 am to 2:00 pm

El berenador de Can Ruti Information PointRoad from Badalona to Can Ruti (between the funeral home and the home) 08916 BadalonaOpening hours: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10.00 am to 1.00 pm

Tiana Information Point and Astronomical ObservatoryEduard Fontserè, s/n (sports area)08391 TianaTel. 934 650 626Information point opening hours:Saturdays: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm and 5.00 to 7.00 pm (summer), and 10.00 am to 2.00 pm (winter)Sundays and public holidays: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

Barcelona Provincial CouncilDepartment of Natural SpacesComte d’Urgell, 187Edifici del Rellotge, 3a planta08036 BarcelonaTel. 934 022 400 · Fax 934 022 426xarxaparcs@diba.cat · www.diba.cat/parcsn

Access

Dual carriageways and motorways Ronda de Dalt B-20 (northbound) Junctions 19 (connection with BV-5001) 21 (connection with BV-5011) 22 (connection with B-500) 23 (connection with BV-5008)

El Maresme motorway C-31 Junctions 5 (connection with B-500) 6 (connection with BV-5008)

La Jonquera motorway C-33 Junction 1 (connection with B-500 i BV-5001)

Barcelona-Vic-Ripoll dual carriageway C-17 Junctions Montcada (connection with BV-5001) Martorelles - Sant Fost de C. (connection with BV-5001)

Roads Road from Badalona to Mollet del Vallès (La Conreria) B-500 La Roca road BV-5001 Road from Badalona to Montcada i Reixac (La Vallensana) BV-5011 Tiana road BV-5008

Public transport

Metro Line 1 Santa Coloma and Fondo (Santa Coloma de Gramenet)

Buses Park zone Access point (area / town) Bus

Font de l’Alzina Les Oliveres / Santa Coloma 802, B-20, B-27

Font de l’Alba Sports area / Tiana B-29

Can Ruti Can Ruti / Badalona 2, B-19, B-24, B-26, B-27

La Conreria La Conreria / Tiana Badalona-Sabadell via La Conreria (Transports Sagalés)

Recommendations

Respect agricultural, stockbreeding and forestry activities, as they provide the liveli-hood of many of the park’s inhabitants.

Use the network of signposted tracks and paths. Vehicles are not permitted except on public roads and tracks. Remember that the maximum speed is 30 km/h. Do not park in front of the chains preventing access to certain tracks.

Enjoy the park while respecting the diversity of the natural and architectural heritage.

Respect nature and the peacefulness of the park, particularly in breeding areas. Avoid making unnecessary noise.

Hunting, fishing and tree felling activities are regulated by law.

Abandoning pets is cruelty and is classed as a crime by the law.

Remember that lighting fires is prohibited throughout the park.

Do not leave litter. Use the bins and contai-ners in the park or take it home.

Wilderness camping is not permitted.

P R O V Í N C I AD E B A R C E L O N A

Barcelona

Parc de la Serralada de Marina

CARTOGRAPHY: XPN