“"They say that on the night of November 2, 1617, there was a meeting of witches in the forests of Sant Segimon. They made potions, smeared themselves with ointments, drank plant infusions, and reached ecstasy. A few days later, a tremendous hailstorm occurred that destroyed all the crops, and from then on, there was a witch hunt, where they were blamed for that disaster."
Viladrau, the Fairytale Village in Osona Where the History of Witches Still Resonates
This town, the gateway to Montseny, combines natural trails with the memory of the great witch hunt that took place in the 17th century.
By Anna Bosch Pujol
••2 min read
IA
Quiet stone street in a historic Catalan village, featuring old houses and surrounding vegetation.
The municipality of Viladrau, located in Osona, offers a perfect getaway combining the charm of its historic center with routes through the Montseny Natural Park and its dark witch legend.
The historic center of Viladrau is presented as a refuge of stone and silence, with cobbled streets and a Plaça Major (Main Square) that invite visitors to stroll without haste. This charm of an “authentic village” makes it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.
Its privileged location, right in the heart of the Montseny Natural Park, makes it an unbeatable starting point for excursions. One of the most popular proposals is the Ruta de les Fonts (Route of the Fountains), an accessible route for the whole family that follows the water flow among cool spots and natural waterfalls.
Beyond hiking, visitors can enjoy the local architecture, such as the church of Sant Martí, or take a relaxed walk through the Arborètum, a space that functions as a botanical garden.
However, the beauty of Viladrau also hides a tragic history. The town was the scene of the largest witch hunt in Catalonia, where 14 women were murdered between the years 1600 and 1622, accused of causing misfortunes and hailstorms.



