Samper Trail

Once we have crossed through the Santa Oliva Gate, at the crossroads we will take the second road on the right. We pass through a sewer tunnel and, at the second fork in the road, we turn to the left (the road to the right is the Les Arengades Ravine). We will continue uphill along the forest track until we pass the Can Llimona farmhouse. Shortly afterward, the road forks off toward the Els Encantats bridge, an ideal spot for a little rest before continuing the hike.

Around twenty meters further on, at another crossroads, we will take the path to the left, where we will have a gentle uphill climb until we reach a track on the right-hand side that leads into the Gavatx Forest, where we will find the Samper Trail. The forest has grown here over abandoned farmland and is covered with thick vegetation, with laurels particularly notable. Half way along this path is the statue in homage to the Olesan who gave his name to the route. Close to the monument, looking in the direction of the ravine, we can see the Raguener house in the distance. This route ends at this point, but from here we can take the path leading back to Can Llimona.

From History to Heritage: 

Santa Oliva Gate: the last town gate still standing today, built in the late 16th century. In 1675, it was erected over a chapel dedicated to Saint Olivia of Palermo, the town’s patron saint.

Raguener House: Raguener is a place name dating back to the 10th century, which is believed to be derived from the Germanic Ragnar. The house dates back to the 18th century.

Can Llimona Farmhouse: the only old farmhouse in the town still in operation with its residents working on a sharecropping basis.

Samper: the name of the route is a tribute to Andreu Samper, an Olesan lover of hiking, who died on this trail.

(Route created by Joan Soler Gironès - Hiking Guide for Olesa de Montserrat and environs)