The best traffic-free bike rides around Vilassar De Dalt

Located in the heart of the old town of Dosrius, this church has a much more curious history than it appears. Although the current building was constructed from 1526, a temple already existed in this location during the Middle Ages. One of its most surprising stories occurred during the Civil War. The church was looted, its altars destroyed, and the building converted into a warehouse for grain, seeds, and straw. A magnificent 16th-century Renaissance altarpiece was lost, but the curious thing is that, many years later, researchers managed to identify seven original paintings that had survived. Four are preserved in the Mataró Museum and three in the church itself. There are more curiosities: formerly, families could pay to have their own pew inside the church. And above the vaults, there is a space known as "the owls' room," where an old manual mechanism for raising and lowering the central lamp is still preserved. If you can go inside, also look at the floor: there is a funerary tombstone from 1776 belonging to the Vallmajor family, one of the most important in the town.

Although it looks like a small old hermitage, the current chapel dates from 1905. The original already existed in the year 1025, when a man named Bernat donated some land to his grandmother Hem, according to a document preserved in the archives of the Barcelona Cathedral. But the most curious thing happened in 1336: the rector of Llinars authorized two women, known as *donades*, to settle here. They were women dedicated to religious life who did not necessarily belong to a conventual order. Over time they formed a small community. The old hermitage survived for centuries, until it was demolished at the end of the 19th century. In 1905 the current one was built, which originally had a much more Gothic appearance, with a rose window and pointed arches. Even that decoration disappeared in later renovations! Inside, it preserves paintings of Sant Cristòfol, the Trinity, and angels. Another curiosity: on July 10th, a popular gathering was held here in honor of Sant Cristòfol, the patron saint of drivers. A discreet corner that hides much more history than it appears.

Today, cycling alone, I reached this impressive farmhouse and stayed for a while contemplating its architecture, gardens, and the decoration visible from the outside. By chance, I met a very pleasant young man, one of those people who look you in the eye when they speak to you and give you good vibes. He told me they had a café and encouraged me to go in. In the end, I ended up having breakfast there: a "bikini integral" (tofu, zucchini, sun-dried tomato, and cheese sandwich), accompanied by a coffee. The truth is, it was very good! The atmosphere is very unique. Quiet music, people reading, working, strolling... It gives the feeling that time passes more slowly. There are tables scattered around the garden, some set apart and in the shade of the trees. They also organize workshops, cultural activities, and meditation retreats. The café offers vegan food, so don't expect to find the typical "butifarras" or the usual breakfasts from our bike rides. A small request to my bikers: let's respect the place and the people who live there. They treated me wonderfully, and I think we should do the same. Bicycles can be left next to the three trees by the main entrance, within the fenced area, without obstructing access. If you ever go with time, especially in summer, it can be a good option to have a quiet breakfast under the shade of the trees and discover a place quite different from those we usually find on our routes.

Currently, this historic Catalan farmhouse hosts **Casa Virupa**, a Buddhist community located in a privileged setting, at the foot of Montseny. The curious thing is that it is not simply a meditation center, but rather a **community where mainly young people who have chosen a different way of life coexist**, based on Buddhist philosophy, meditation, respect for nature, and coexistence. Its members share responsibilities and participate in the maintenance of the estate, combining spirituality, work, art, and daily life. They also organize meditation retreats, philosophy workshops, cultural activities, and meetings open to the public. A very different way of bringing this old stately residence to life, which continues to be a place of meeting, reflection, and coexistence.

**Can Bordoi: from medieval farmhouse to clandestine meeting place** This imposing estate has a surprising history. Documented since 1410, its first inhabitants were peasants subjected to feudal obligations, to the point that they could not freely leave the farmhouse! In 1905, the politician and industrialist Josep Comas i Masferrer transformed it into a spectacular summer residence, with a medieval-looking tower, gardens, stables, and viewpoints. Later it passed into the hands of Teresa Roca i Formosa, linked to the well-known company Roca Radiadores, and her husband, Josep Maria Vilaseca. **The most interesting happened during the sixties, in the midst of the Franco dictatorship:** semiclandestine political meetings were held here where Catalan and other Spanish intellectuals debated democracy, Catalan culture, and the country's future. Later it hosted a school, cultural activities, and even a small archaeological museum dedicated to the nearby Castell Vell. An estate that has been much more than a luxury residence.

Don't be fooled by the start. The first section is quite bland: not very technical, no views, and with that feeling of just descending for the sake of descending. But hang in there, because the last third completely changes the movie. That's where the good terrain appears: jumps, small supports, natural berms, and turns that start to link up with rhythm. If it's in good condition, you can release the brakes, let the bike run, and find that flow that makes you finish at the bottom with a smile. It's not a spectacular trialera from start to finish, but its last third more than makes up for the descent. Fun, fast, and with a few spots to play with the bike. I would repeat it.

One of the passages that allow you to cross under the train tracks and the N-II to access the promenade and the beach without risking your life among cars. If you cycle along the Maresme, these passages are essential for connecting the urban center with the coast. Watch out when crossing: it is usually narrow and shared with pedestrians, so it is advisable to reduce speed significantly or get off your bike when there are people.

Jaciment funerari associat a assentaments antics, d'interès per a la comprensió de les pràctiques rituals de la regió.