This autumn, Barcelona will begin restoring 13 natural springs in Collserola to protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage and support the recovery of biodiversity.
The work, to be carried out by the municipal company BIMSA, represents an investment of €1.3 million financed by Next Generation EU funds and forms part of the Barcelona Destination Tourism Sustainability Plan (PSTD) promoted by Barcelona City Council.
The PSTD aims to transform the tourism model of the Catalan capital, based on four strategic pillars: green and sustainable transition, energy efficiency, digital transition, and competitiveness. The restoration of these historic springs in Collserola is part of the municipal commitment to enhance local heritage and the surrounding area, focusing on sustainability and responsible management.
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi includes seven of the springs to be restored
Of the 13 springs to be restored, seven are located in the district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi: la Rosita, Santa Bàrbara, la Budellera, Mas Guimbau, Sant Tomàs, Can Castellví, and Can Calopa.
The Budellera spring stands out among these, as it is the only one included in Barcelona's Architectural Heritage Catalogue. The last work took place in 1988, when an artwork by Antoni Tàpies featuring the city's coat of arms was installed there. Now, the work will ensure the flow of spring water and improve access with steps and handrails to enhance safety. The ponds will also be repaired and ramps will be installed to allow wildlife to enter and exit easily.
The other springs in the district will be subject to specific measures, such as the installation of a solar-powered pumping system to recover water from the Can Castellví well or the creation of a rest area around the Sant Tomàs spring.
Projects in Horta-Guinardó and Nou Barris
In the district of Horta-Guinardó, the Can Llong spring, the Maduixera spring, and the spring and mines in the Laberint d’Horta will all be renovated, with a wildlife circuit including a new spring and a natural pond being created in the latter.
In Nou Barris, work will be carried out on three more springs: the l’Alba spring, the Canyelles spring, and the Santa Eulàlia spring.
