The Catalan village where Aitana Bonmatí was born: a rich heritage between the sea and the mountains

Nestled between the Garraf Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea , the municipality of Sant Pere de Ribes (Barcelona) can once again boast of being the birthplace of the world's greatest female soccer player. Aitana Bonmatí has ​​received her third consecutive Ballon d'Or , further cementing her position as a star and a benchmark in the sport .

His hometown is known for its rich architectural heritage , notable for its mansions, farmhouses, and Indiano houses. Its natural surroundings are marked by vineyards, the mountainous landscapes of the Garraf mountain range, and the warm Mediterranean waters.

The origin of Sant Pere de Ribes

Located in the Garraf region , between hills and elevations, Sant Pere de Ribes extends over 40.71 km², close to well-known towns such as Sitges and Vilanova i la Geltrú. The municipality is divided into several population centers: Ribes and Les Roquetes are the most populated, along with others such as Puigmoltó and Vilanoveta, as well as various residential areas.

The remains found in these lands attest to the existence of a Roman settlement here, which gave way to smaller population centres that were established between the 6th and 8th centuries in the present-day areas of Vilanoveta and Puigmoltó, and in the neighbourhoods of Palou and Parellades. However, Sant Pere de Ribes is not documented as such until the year 990 .

We would have to wait until the late 18th and early 19th centuries for the municipality to experience its true urban transformation . This was "a consequence of the fortunes brought back from commercial adventures in the Americas by more than 700 inhabitants of Sant Pere de Ribes, the so-called " Indianos" or "Americans ," according to Tourism Catalonia.

Churches, an Islamic castle and Indiano houses

The municipality's architectural heritage is marked by this history, which remains alive in its streets. We can find country houses, mansions, and colonial houses in neoclassical, modernist, and noucentista styles, as well as the remains of a castle of Islamic or Mozarabic origin .

Continuing our visit, we'll find the so-called Old Church , with its beautiful portal, in contrast to the New Church , a neo-Gothic style inspired by the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona . Along the lines of religious buildings, it's also worth visiting the Hermitage of Sant Pau , built on the site of an old Roman house. Also noteworthy are the Palanca Bridge and the Casa del Terme, where the first town hall was located.

Nature and gastronomy

Of course, nature also plays an important role in Sant Pere de Ribes, offering everything from mountains covered in pine and oak forests to a small stretch of coastline . To explore its landscapes, we can take a hiking route along the Ribes stream , which flows into the Mediterranean.

Finally, don't forget that traveling also means experiencing the local flavors . The town is part of the so-called Xató Route , a traditional Catalan sauce made with almonds, hazelnuts, bread, and ñora peppers. And to add a sweet touch, we can't leave without delighting in local creations such as sabres de Sant Pau , xocolatina del Castell , pastís ribetà , pedres del Garraf , and pastís de Roquetes .