Around El Molí de les Pipes and the Riera
d’Arbúcies stream

With the Riera d’Arbúcies stream taking centre stage, this shady area is notable for several historical water-related features: a watermill, which also used the water to generate power; a fountain that offered cool refreshment to summer visitors, and a bridge that allowed for easy passage over the watercourse. All of these highlight how important water is to Arbúcies.

Pont del Molí

The Pont del Molí (“Mill Bridge”) is a late Romanesque construction of a single span, probably dating from the 11th century and renovated in the 14th century, with its original semi-circular arch still standing. Its construction allowed people and transported goods to cross over the stream (on foot, mules, or horses and carts), following the old road to Viladrau and Vic, which bordered the eastern sector of the Montseny through the Coll de Cerdans pass.

El Molí de les Pipes

The earliest written references to this mill, also known at different times by the names Congost and Marcús, date from 1309. At the beginning of the 19th century, a flour mill was constructed, which toward the end of the century was converted into a sawmill for the manufacture of bowls for tobacco pipes, hence the popular nickname “el molí de les Pipes” (“the Pipe mill”). Between 1958 and 1959, the mill building incorporated a small water bottling plant, which operated under the brand name Agua Fuente de las Pipas. Nowadays it functions as a restaurant, which is very popular among visitors strolling or hiking in the area.

Font del Molí

This font, or water fountain, is located below the mill and near the bridge. Its flow is dependent on the rainfall in the area, and the water drains through an open channel into the stream. All of this makes for a cool and romantic spot, attractive to visitors seeking the tranquillity of nature. In fact, at the beginning of the 20th century, this was a popular place where summer holidaymakers would come to take the waters.