In October, the small town of Sant Martí Sarroca, just an hour’s drive from Barcelona, will once again bring the past to life. For two days, local streets and squares will turn into the backdrop for a medieval fair, where visitors can enjoy handicrafts, traditional treats, and performances recreating the atmosphere of bygone eras. Music, laughter, and the sound of bells will accompany guests at every step.
Sarroca Medieval festival returns for its thirteenth edition, gathering visitors on October 11 and 12. The main events will take place around the old castle and the Romanesque church, where a marketplace will feature artisans’ stalls, tastings of local wines and delicacies, as well as areas set aside for families. Jugglers, musicians, and knights will fill the streets, while special entertainment is planned for children.
A special highlight of the program will be theatrical tours of the castle, where local residents reenact scenes from its history. For €5, adults can explore the halls and towers, while children under 10 enter free. Tours will be held on both days according to a schedule, ensuring everyone has a chance to step back in time.
This year, for the first time, special attention will be given to the Santa Maria church—a Romanesque architectural monument shrouded in mystery. Guides will share insights about its design and its role in the life of local people over the centuries. Visits are also priced at €5, with tours available at various times on both days.
Admission to the outdoor performances and concerts is free, and the market will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For visitors’ convenience, a tourist train will run for a symbolic fee, taking everyone to the historic complex, though guests can also choose to walk there.
Interesting fact: Sant Martí castle can be rented for events—either in its entirety or by individual halls. It is part of a large historic ensemble that includes a 10th-century castle and a 12th-century church, both recognized as national heritage sites. The location bears traces of ancient settlements, and its heyday came during the Middle Ages, when the fortress served a defensive role. After its destruction in the 19th century, life shifted to the valley, but the memory of the past is carefully preserved here.
At the beginning of the 20th century, architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch carried out a major restoration of the church, marking an important milestone in Catalan heritage. Today, this ensemble is considered one of the region’s most intriguing medieval complexes.
At the market, visitors will be able to sample wines and foods prepared according to traditional recipes, as well as purchase unique handmade items. Events like this support local artisans and offer a chance to discover traditions rarely encountered in everyday life.
Getting to Sant Martí Sarroca is easy: by car via the AP-7 highway to Vilafranca del Penedès, then another 10 minutes to the town. By public transport, take the train to Vilafranca and then a bus to your destination. Anyone who chooses to spend a weekend here is guaranteed a true medieval experience.
