Viladomiu Nou, Industrial colony in Gironella, Spain
Viladomiu Nou is an industrial complex along the Llobregat River in the Bergaeda region, consisting of a textile factory, residential buildings, a church, and a tower. About 102 homes were constructed between 1900 and 1951, forming a planned settlement designed to house factory workers and their families.
Construction of the factory began in 1880 when the Viladomiu family launched their industrial project in the region. The brothers Joseph and Jacinto inherited their shares in 1897 and established this separate settlement, which operated as a textile center until the factory closed in 1991.
The Sacred Heart Church served as the social hub where workers and their families gathered for religious services and community celebrations. The space reinforced bonds among residents who shared their daily lives in this tight-knit settlement.
The complex is accessible during daylight hours and invites leisurely walks along the river and through the historic streets. The terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate on foot, though the site spreads across a fairly large area.
The Owner's House built in 1899 now serves as a visitor center and management office for the Llobregat River Park Consortium. It provides a rare glimpse into how the factory owners lived and managed their industrial domain from within the community.
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