Molins de Rei, municipality located at 18km from Barcelona's city centre.
Molins de Rei is a municipality in the Baix Llobregat region southwest of Barcelona in Catalonia. The town features narrow streets lined with old buildings, a central square with cafes and shops, and green spaces along the river that shape daily life.
The town was founded during the Middle Ages as a milling center that processed grain for the royal administration. In the 19th century, industrial development transformed the area with factories like Colònia Güell, bringing new structures and settlements to the landscape.
Molins de Rei takes its name from the royal mills that once operated along the Llobregat River, shaping the town's identity. The central square and local festivals like the Fira de la Candelera keep traditions alive, where residents gather to celebrate food, crafts, and customs passed down through generations.
The town is easily reached by train and bus from Barcelona and has good connections to surrounding villages. The flat terrain and network of paths make it ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle, especially along the river and through nearby forests.
The nearby Colònia Güell houses a crypt designed by Antoni Gaudí featuring unfinished designs with innovative geometric structures. This hidden architectural work often goes overlooked despite revealing some of the famous architect's early experimental ideas.
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