Mataró Free Tour: Catalonia's Hidden City of Innovation

Join me on a journey through more than 2,000 years of history as we discover how the Roman city of Iluro evolved into one of Spain's most innovative industrial and commercial centres.

We will explore the role Mataró played in the story of Spain's first railway, the rise of powerful textile industries, pioneering workers' organisations, cooperative movements and the remarkable people who helped shape the city's history.

Along the way, we will uncover Mataró's surprising connection with Antoni Gaudí, the architect behind Barcelona's famous Sagrada Família, discover one of his lesser-known works, and learn about the life and legacy of Josep Puig i Cadafalch, one of greatest Modernist architects.

We will also examine how industrialisation transformed everyday life in the city, giving rise to workers' struggles, trade unions, cooperative societies and social movements that helped shape modern Catalonia.

We will walk through historic streets, medieval walls built to defend against pirates and corsairs, Roman remains, Modernist landmarks and industrial heritage sites while revealing stories and secrets that most visitors never hear about this fascinating city near Barcelona.

Whenever opening hours allow, we will also visit some of Mataró's most unique sites, including a pioneering 19th-century prison and one of the finest examples of Catalan Baroque art.

How did a city with no natural harbour become one of the most innovative communities on the Catalan coast?
 
How did merchants, industrialists, workers and reformers transform Mataró over the centuries?

Join me and discover the answer. 

Contributions

This is a free walking tour. At the end of the experience, you are free to contribute whatever amount you feel the tour was worth.

Accepted contribution methods:

• Cash (€)

• Bizum

• Wise