Two Factories, One History: The Thermal Power Plant and the Tannery
Immersive Visit: "Protagonists of Technology" at the Thermal Power Plant & Tour of the Can Ginebreda Tannery
PRICE: 143 €
NUMBER OF VISITANTS PER GROUP: Màxim 25 participants per group. If your group is larger, additional groups will be required
LANGUAGES: Guided tours available in Catalan, Spanish, English, and French.
DURATION: The activity is planned to last the whole day, with guided sessions lasting 2 hours.
On this tour, we invite you to explore Granollers' industrial and pre-industrial heritage. We will begin with an immersive visit to the Thermal Power Plant at Roca Umbert, titled "Protagonists of Change." This experience takes visitors back in time to discover the key figures who have driven technological progress throughout history.
This visit provides a human and social perspective, offering insight into the lives of the workers at the Thermal Power Plant, their experiences, and their role in energy production, which played a crucial part in transforming the city.
Next, we will head to the old medieval tannery, a remarkable example of pre-industrial heritage, where hides were traditionally processed into leather, a valuable and durable material. The tannery represents an industry of resourcefulness, as it transformed a byproduct of livestock farming into an essential material for clothing, footwear, and tools.
This craft, which was fundamental in Granollers and other Catalan cities, reflects the needs and values of past societies and offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional work processes.
After a morning of discoveries, participants will have free time for lunch, with the option to consult a list of restaurants at visitgranollers.com.
SCHEDULES
If you are arriving by coach, drop-off is available at Roca Umbert Fàbrica de les Arts, entering via C. Lluís Companys 1-5.If you arrive on foot, you can access the site through any of its five entrances.
OPTIONAL (10:30 - 11 AM): Participants may choose to start the visit with a coffee break at the Roca Umbert bar before the tour begins.
11:00 AM – Meeting with the guide at the façade of the Thermal Power Plant.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Immersive visit exploring the energy history of the Roca Umbert factory and its role in the industrial development of Granollers.
12:00 PM – Visit to Can Ginebreda Tannery
1:00 PM – End of the visit and farewell with the guide.
2:00 PM – Free lunch break. Participants can choose to dine at local restaurants, the Roca Umbert Bar or enjoy a picnic at Roca Umbert.
4:00 PM – Afternoon visits: Information on available city activities can be found at visitgranollers.com.
AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES
After an immersion into the world of energy at the Thermal Power Plant and the heating network, we invite you to explore various afternoon activities in Granollers. These experiences will allow you to delve deeper into the themes of the visit while also discovering other aspects of the city.
The Night Watchman’s Audio Guide Through the Streets of Roca Umbert
This audio-guided tour offers a glimpse into the history of Roca Umbert and the workers who shaped its identity. Led by the night watchman, a night watchman who spent years patrolling the factory, the tour takes visitors through the site’s key locations while sharing first-hand accounts of its past.
The tour highlights the Thermal Power Plant, built in the 1950s, which played a crucial role in the post-war recovery. Without electricity, production would have come to a halt, making this facility an essential part of the factory’s operations. Visitors will also learn about the factory infirmary, established by the company to care for workers' health at a time when universal public healthcare did not yet exist.
Additionally, the Sereno sheds light on the various trades practiced within the factory and the role of apprentices, offering insight into the skills and traditions that sustained industrial life. The story of Roca Umbert stands as a tribute to lifelong professions and the workers who made its existence possible.
Listen to the tour here: The night-watchman's route
Stroll Through the Historic Center
For a change in perspective, we also recommend wandering through the historic center of Granollers, where you’ll find charming buildings, lively squares, and cultural spaces that tell the story of the city. The city center is ideal for exploring on foot, allowing you to discover unique architectural details and enjoy the diverse range of local establishments, which create a warm and authentic atmosphere.
As you stroll through the streets, you’ll come across historical landmarks, such as La Porxada, along with other iconic buildings that are part of the city’s rich heritage.
You can use the self-guided audio tour to learn more about this area: Historic Center Route.
With these proposals, you can complete a day filled with knowledge, transitioning from industrial and artisanal history to culture and nature, while discovering everything Granollers has to offer.
If visiting during the winter season, you can conclude your visit at Roca Umbert by watching the projection mapping show on the façade of the Thermal Power Plant, scheduled at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Be sure to check the schedule, as this event only takes place in winter.
For bus pick-up points, we recommend the following locations:C. Roger de Flor 64 – for those departing from the city center, Av. St. Esteve – if visiting the Museum of Natural Sciences of La Tela, C. Lluís Companys – if departing from Roca Umbert.
