Bagà: medieval jewel at the foot of the Pedraforca

The walled old town was founded in the 13th century by the powerful Barons of Pinós, feudal lords who shaped much of Berguedà's history. Its finest feature is the Plaça de Galceran de Pinós, a porticoed square of extraordinary beauty where elegant Gothic arches frame stone houses in perfect harmony. This is widely considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Catalonia.

The restored Palau dels Pinós (Pinós Palace) now houses the Medieval Centre and the Cathar Interpretation Centre, recalling how Bagà sheltered Cathar refugees from the Albigensian Crusade. The GR 107 hiking route known as the Camí dels Bons Homes (Path of the Good Men) passes through Bagà, following the historic escape route of persecuted Cathars across the Pyrenees.

Bagà hosts the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park Information Centre, where visitors can obtain detailed maps, up-to-date route conditions and expert advice for exploring this magnificent protected area. From Bagà, you have direct access to some of the most spectacular hiking in the Pyrenees.

The iconic Pedraforca (2,497 m) - Catalonia's most emblematic mountain with its distinctive forked twin peaks - is reached via Saldes, which lies on the road from Bagà. Gentler options include riverside walks along the crystalline Bastareny river and the scenic mountain pass of Coll de Pal leading to the high Cerdanya valley. In winter, this pass provides access to the small ski area of the same name.

Each year on December 24th, Bagà celebrates the ancient Fia-faia, a winter solstice fire festival where blazing torches are carried down from the mountains into the village in a spectacular nocturnal procession. This ancestral ritual, shared with nearby Sant Julià de Cerdanyola, is declared Festive Heritage of Catalonia and represents one of the oldest continuous traditions in the region.

The annual medieval fair recreates 13th-century village life with artisan stalls selling traditional crafts, troubadour performances, demonstrations of ancient trades, and period cuisine. Participants dress in medieval costumes and the entire town transforms into a living historical tableau, drawing visitors from across Catalonia.

Despite its modest size, Bagà offers excellent restaurants, rural guesthouses and shops selling local mountain products. The gastronomy highlights authentic mountain cooking: hearty escudella stew, trinxat with crispy pork, grilled meats from local flocks, and homemade desserts. In autumn, wild mushrooms become the absolute protagonists of Bagà's cuisine, featured in special menus throughout the season.

The proximity to the Pedraforca and Cadí mountains makes Bagà a regular meeting point for hikers, climbers and mountain lovers throughout the year. The town retains a genuine mountain character while welcoming visitors with warmth and hospitality.