Throughout the 19th century, on the banks of the rivers Ter and Llobregat, different factories were set up which used the power of water to operate their machinery. In some cases, these factories offered housing for their workers along with other services such as schools and shops, which were part of the so-called industrial colonies.
We propose a route to visit some of the most emblematic colonies along the Ter as it passes through Osona. Our journey starts at the El Ter Museum, in Manlleu. Inaugurated in 2004, it explains the industrial and natural heritage of the middle river basin. It reveals historical aspects of the industrialisation process as well as the more social side to industrial life. The two turbines on show also make it possible to truly understand the mechanical system of the factory. The El Ter Museum is part of the territorial system of the National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia (MNACTEC).
Also in Manlleu, we find the origins of Colonia Rusiñol, formerly Can Remisa and residence of the painter and writer Santiago Rusiñol, which date back to 1845 when Josep Dulcet bought the land to build it. Cotton yarn was produced there until 2009 and it was the last colony in the middle part of the Ter to close. The El Ter Museum organises guided tours through the gardens and inside the buildings on the first Sunday of every month.
Colonia Imbern or El Pelut, in Orís, is one of the most unique of its kind in the middle section of the Ter. Dating from 1859, the gardens are a real highlight, designed by Rubió and Tudurí, as well as the modernist-style buildings, which were built using shaped river stone.
In Sant Vicenç de Torelló, we can reminisce about the past of two leading colonies. Opened in 1882, Colonia Vila-Seca was the first in the municipality. It consists of the factory, workers’ houses, church, inn, school and gardens. The historic homes are now privately owned. Colonia Borgonyà is the other well-known one, made operational in 1895 by J&P Coats, from Scotland. In 1903, they merged with Fabra, industrialists from Barcelona. The houses are currently inhabited by former workers, the factory buildings are occupied by several companies and the service facilities are owned by the Sant Vicenç de Torelló City Council. You can visit the colony on the third Sunday of each month through the El Ter Museum.
A proposal brought to you in collaboration with Descobrir magazine.
