L'Ametlla de Merola, Industrial colony in Puig-reig, Spain
L'Ametlla de Merola is a 19th-century settlement that spreads along the Llobregat River with two-story houses arranged in geometric patterns. The dwellings cluster around several plazas to form a well-ordered street network.
The settlement started in 1832 as a factory at Josep Comas Ametlla's mill and grew into a textile colony between 1864 and 1871. This expansion reflected the industrial growth of the region along the river.
The settlement reflects working-class life through its simple homes built for factory workers and their families. People gathered in the various squares for daily routines, giving the place a human-centered design.
The site is best explored on foot since the squares and houses are closely spaced and easy to navigate. Walking through the streets reveals the entire layout and architecture from different angles.
The settlement preserves its original factory building and water system that harnessed the river for power. This feature makes it a rare example showing how early factories depended on water energy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
