Guide of Esplugues de Llobregat-Sant Just Desvern
Esplugues de Llobregat is a small town measuring 4.6 km2 which lies directly between Barcelona and Sant Just Desvern. It currently has more than 45,000 inhabitants who enjoy a city filled with all the services they need and great connections with Barcelona while still savouring its quiet, personal feel.
Until well into the 20th century, this town’s economic base was primarily agricultural, although it had early industry with its ceramic production. In the 1950s and 1960s, Esplugues became engaged in an accelerated process of change which led to its shift from a village to a city. Currently, Esplugues is a city of services near a large city yet it has managed to retain its own identity.
Particular stand-outs are its unique old quarter with such picturesque and romantic spots as Calle Montserrat street and former rural estates like Can Cortada, the former residence of the Baron of Maldá, the author of a key work in Catalan literature in the late 18th century, El Calaix de Sastre. Also worth noting is the sweeping network of parks and green zones in Esplugues, such as Solidaridad, Torrent d’en Farré and Can Vidalet parks, among others. San Pedro Mártir mountain, which is part of the Collserola range, is the town’s natural lookout point, standing at 399 metres tall.
The presence of the German School of Barcelona and the American School of Barcelona within the town attracts wealthy expatriate families who choose to educate their children at these schools. Furthermore, given its proximity to Camp Nou, numerous footballers from Fútbol Club Barcelona live in Esplugues, in addition to other celebrities.
Located just 10 km from the centre of Barcelona and the airport, in addition to its great connections via public transport, Esplugues de Llobregat has also become an attractive, modern city which conserves its cultural and historical identity and is ideal from people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of large cities.
It is part of the comarca (county) of Baix Llobregat, as is Sant Just Desvern, a town that measures 8 km2 which lies directly to the west of Barcelona. Due to its proximity to the big city, its great connections and its peace and quiet, personalities from the worlds of politics and sports live in Sant Just Desvern.
Its historical past is fairly similar to that of Esplugues, since until the early 20th century its economy was basically agricultural, primarily vineyards, grains and olives, all arranged around country estates. Its industry was limited to a fairly important cement factory, several brickworks, a textile factory and small family-run workshops.
The town did not experience major expansion until the 1950s, when the Pont Reixat industrial zone was created, with its numerous important companies in the metal, chemical (pharmaceutical products, rubber, perfumes, cosmetics) and electronic appliance sectors. The town’s demographic and industrial growth have also served to spur its services sector.
The town stands out for its spacious landscaped areas, including Collserola Nature Park, 25 former country estate homes, 10 Catalan modernism buildings and 130 civil-society organisations into which citizens can pour their passions.
