The surroundings of Riells, a rural Spanish village about one hour north of Barcelona, were formed by the cliffs of Gallifa and Bertí, a rugged and arid terrain with reddish-color soil and stone. Riells and Barcelona-based Comas-Pont Arquitectes recently completed a project to recover the historic features and atmosphere of the village’s 11^th-century square for residents and visitors.

© @adriàgoula

The historic village center, near church of Sant Vicenç and village cemetery, were built in the 11^th century and are paved with solid reddish brick, recalling the terrain of the cliffs that surround the town and hoping to integrate the final image of the original natural landscape. The revitalization returns the village center into a beautiful space that includes a new lighting plan, public community spaces and honoring its past as a popular site for summer festivals. The existing well in the town square has also been revitalized as the central point of the new pavement.

© @adriàgoula

A linear bench runs along the church’s rest areas without losing the versatility of the square, while also solving the summer’s humidity problems with a new tree added to the existing fig tree, providing additional shading to the area. The terrain’s existing slope has been modified by introducing a staircase step with a solid handrail, enhancing views of the cliffs of Bereti in the distance.

The square now includes more space for its 10,000 residents, space formerly occupied by vehicles. The added space restored a quieter life in the village, even with more children playing, more parents socializing and more elderly residents resting on the new benches within the square.

The Riells village square, with its new landscaping, slower rhythm and more sounds of nature, make for a unique daytrip or overnight excursion from Barcelona. Hotels close to Riells village include Masia Can Viver Olive Oil Tourism B&B and Moli de la Torre.  Both properties include breakfast.