"Where I spent my childhood..." Vilanova i la Geltru by Belsaita

Vilanova i la Geltru Travel Guide: 18 reviews and 22 photos

Vilanova i la Geltrú - Platja - Vilanova i la Geltru

Yes I was born at this nice town, and stayed there until I was 17. It has changed quite a lot, but different as other coastal resorts, I would say it has improved. Formerly mainly an industrial city, recently it has re-discovered its beaches and tourism possibilities.

Vilanova i La Geltrú is the capital of El Garraf. Located half-way between the main metropolitan areas of Barcelona (40 Km to the North), and Tarragona (45 Km to the South). Its current population is about 62,000.

Vilanova i la Geltrú - La Rambla

A bit of history:

Many centuries ago, there was an Iberian settlement (you can still see some remains near the beach). Some Roman vestiges have been found in the area too. But it looks it was a very small setlement.

In the early middle ages, there were 2 castles (with its villages) in the area: La Geltrú and Cubelles. It's said that some inhabitants from La Geltrú, fed up of the abuses of one evil lord, escaped from him crossing the small river that divided both properties. This way, they were under protection of the Lord of Cubelles (it seems he was more benevolent), so the primitive town was named Vila-Nova de Cubelles (New Town of Cubelles). A few centuries later the new setlement and the old town of La Geltrú were united, and in 1274 Vilanova i la Geltrú awarded the Carta Pobla (City Charter) by the King Jaume I the Conqueror. The old division river is now under the Carrer de la Uniò (Union street).

As a city, it has always had a dynamic economy, originally based on its agriculture and wine shipping commerce (in the 18th and 19th centuries), and later on, its textile industry. There were quite a few enterprising men who traveled to America in the 19th Century, mainly to Cuba, and became rich "Indianos". You can still admire a few of their beautiful houses, one of them now a worth-visiting museum: Casa Papiol . At the time, Vilanova was known as Havana Xica (little Havana), and for this reason there are many street names with Cuban reminiscences. Since the first half of the 20th century the industry diversified, with the presence of large factories. The city still maintains a certain amount of agricultural commerce and one of the most important fishing fleets in Catalonia (3rd seaport, after Barcelona and Tarragona). Recently, there has also been an important development in the sector of tourism and leisure facilities.

Vilanova i la Geltrú - Pósit de Pescadors

OK, that's enough... come and see yourself!

Last visit to Vilanova i la Geltru: Apr 2012
Intro Updated Apr 10, 2012
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Reviews (18)

from "Auca de la Festa Major" - Vilanova i la Geltru

Festa Major Local Customs (6)

Vilanova i la Geltrú celebrates its main summer's festival on August 5. This tradition came from more than a century... more travel advice

One of the town's square after a candies battle! - Vilanova i la Geltru

Carnival Local Customs (6)

Vilanova i la Geltrú is one of the few towns in Spain that could resist Franco's prohibition of Carnival celebrations... more travel advice

Museu Romàntic Can Papiol - Vilanova i la Geltru

Museu Romàntic Can Papiol Things to Do (6)

This is a 19th century mansion converted to a museum. There you can do a journey through time into the everyday life of... more travel advice

Old picture of the museum - Vilanova i la Geltru

Museu-biblioteca Victor Balaguer Things to Do (6)

Museum founded by the Catalan poet, historian and diplomat, Víctor Balaguer (1824-1901). It displays collections of... more travel advice

Comments (10)

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HORSCHECK Nov 15, 2011 at 12:26 PM

Isa, gorgeous page with brilliant photos of your lovely hometown. I didn't know that such a big railway museum "Museu del Ferrocarril" is located there. So for my next trip to Barcelona I will have to take a visit of Vilanova i la Geltru into account.
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aussirose May 21, 2011 at 12:22 AM

Hi Isa. I'm back to holiday decision making mate. Sorry for the absence....I'll be in touch soon. Nice page :o) That restaurant Anna looks good :o) Hugs xx
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hunterV Oct 29, 2010 at 8:47 AM

Hola, amiga! It's a nice place indeed....
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Nemorino May 4, 2010 at 1:56 AM

So this is the town where you grew up! I went through on my bicycle once, but that was many years ago. Glad they have cleaned up the beaches. That railroad museum sounds great, also the festivals.
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timada Sep 15, 2008 at 12:56 PM

Reading your pages about food in the night is such a mistake ... I'm hungry now and I must eat something but not so good like in your little town ! Next visit at noon !
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Roadquill Dec 14, 2007 at 5:38 PM

Hi Isa, just visiting, nice place where you grew up, merry Christmas, warmest regards, Karl
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diocletianvs Oct 20, 2007 at 7:51 AM

Your page is a true hidden gem about a small hidden gem near Barcelona. Industrial past, urban renewal, railway museum and candy battle - I must visit this place one day! (Well, maybe as soon as next spring when I might be re-visiting Barcelona.)
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Jim_Eliason Aug 6, 2007 at 6:47 AM

Looks like a great place to grow up!
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LoriPori Jul 9, 2007 at 4:24 AM

Hola! This is an excellent page Isa. You made me hungry for Spanish dishes esp. the Gibrellada, El Xato and the Llunes de Vilanova sounds divine. xxx Lori
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Maurizioago Feb 20, 2007 at 12:04 PM

Now there is more than one pic on this page. Ciao!