Sabadell history

Ancient Roots and the Birth of the City

The history of the area where modern Sabadell is located today dates back to antiquity. The first settlements emerged here during the Roman era and were known as Arraona. Archaeological findings indicate that this was an important point on trade routes. However, the core of the current city began to form in the Middle Ages, clustering on the left bank of the River Ripoll around the Chapel of Sant Fèlix.

The first written records of the name "Sabadell" date back to the 11th century. At that time, it was a small village whose life revolved around agriculture and the church parish, but its favourable location already foreshadowed a great future.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a modest settlement into a significant economic centre of Spain was made possible by a combination of several important circumstances:

• Geographical Location and the River. The River Ripoll played a decisive role in the city's destiny. Initially, it powered water mills for grinding grain, and later its energy became the driving force for the first fulling mills, predetermining the industrial destiny of the region.
• Trade Privileges. A turning point came in the year 1111, when the town was granted the right to hold a weekly market. This event made the town the commercial heart of the surrounding lands, attracting artisans and merchants.
• Political Independence. In 1373, the town received the status of a "Royal Village" (Vila Reial). This allowed residents to break free from the rule of feudal lords, gain administrative autonomy, and receive direct protection from the crown, which stimulated an influx of population and capital.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before the industrial boom, the city's economy was based on the "Mediterranean triad": the cultivation of wheat, grapes, and olives. However, as early as the 16th century, the prerequisites for future textile fame began to form. The emergence of the Guild of Weavers (Gremi de Paraires) in 1559 was the first step towards the professionalisation of the craft. This organisation not only controlled the quality of wool products but also shaped a unique urban culture where labour and entrepreneurship became the main values.

Chronology of Historical Events

• 1st Century AD: Romans found the settlement of Arraona, the predecessor of the modern city, ruins of which have survived to this day.
• 1050: The name Sabadell is mentioned in documents for the first time in connection with the parish of Sant Fèlix.
• 1111: The town receives the official privilege to hold a market, turning it into a key trading hub of the region.
• 1373: Queen Eleanor of Sicily grants the settlement the status of "Royal Village", ensuring its administrative independence.
• 1559: The Guild of Weavers is established, laying the foundations for the city's transformation into the textile capital of Spain.
• 1838: The installation of the first steam engine in a local factory marks the beginning of the industrial revolution and the era of "vapors".
• 1856: The opening of a railway connection with Barcelona opens new horizons for the export of textile products.
• 1877: For outstanding economic success and population growth, King Alfonso XII grants Sabadell the official status of a city.
• 1881: Local entrepreneurs found Banco Sabadell, which became the financial pillar for the industry.
• 1918: Construction of the famous Water Tower (Torre de l'Aigua), recognised as a masterpiece of Modernist architecture, is completed.
• 1950s: A period of active demographic growth begins, driven by an influx of workforce for industrial enterprises.
• 1992: The city becomes one of the venues for the Olympic Games, hosting football matches at the Nova Creu Alta stadium.
• 1993: The opening of the modern commercial axis Eix Macià symbolises the city's transformation into a modern centre of services and business.
• 2000s: The revitalisation of old factory buildings turns industrial heritage into new cultural and educational spaces.

Stages of City Transformation

The development of Sabadell is a story of constant adaptation and growth. The city has journeyed from a medieval trading crossroads to an industrial giant and a modern service centre. Here are the key moments that shaped its current appearance and economic potential:

• Establishment of the Market (12th Century). The official securing of the right to hold a market was the first step toward economic prosperity. This turned the small settlement into the main trading point of the region, attracting farmers and artisans, which established commercial traditions that are alive to this day.
• Textile Specialisation (16th–18th Centuries). The use of the River Ripoll's waters for processing wool defined the city's destiny for centuries to come. The formation of a powerful weavers' guild created a professional base for future industrialisation, making fabric production the foundation of the local economy.
• Industrial Revolution (1838). The installation of the first steam engine radically changed the urban landscape. The appearance of factories (known as "vapors") led to rapid production growth, turning the city into the "Catalan Manchester" — the industrial heart of Spain at that time.
• Railway Connection (1856). The arrival of the train linked the city with seaports and major sales markets. This event not only reduced the cost of logistics for raw materials and coal but also stimulated urban expansion beyond medieval boundaries.
• Creation of a Financial Pillar (1881). The founding of a local bank (Banco Sabadell) by a group of industrialists gave the city its own powerful financial instrument. This allowed local businesses to invest in large-scale projects and technologies, strengthening the city's economic independence.
• Urban Expansion (1950–1970s). Mass labour migration led to explosive population growth and the construction of entirely new residential districts. This forever changed the social structure and map of the city, turning it into a large modern agglomeration.
• Formation of the Eix Macià Axis (1990s). The transformation of old spaces into a modern business and commercial district became a symbol of the transition to the post-industrial era. This project combined business centres, commerce, and the Parc de Catalunya, creating a new, modern centre of attraction in the city.

The architectural appearance of Sabadell is a living chronicle of its history, where the medieval core harmoniously combines with grand industrial heritage and gems of Catalan Modernism. The city's development from a small village to an industrial centre is reflected in the succession of architectural styles that formed its unique character.

Middle Ages and Baroque

The foundations of Sabadell's urban planning were laid in the Middle Ages when the city developed around the market square. The central element of that time is the Church of Sant Fèlix (Església de Sant Fèlix). Originally built in the Gothic style in the 15th century, of which the apse remains, it was later significantly rebuilt. Today, its appearance is dominated by Baroque features, especially in the bell tower erected in the 18th century, which is one of the landmarks of the historic centre.

Industrial Revolution and Eclecticism (19th Century)

The true architectural transformation of the city occurred in the 19th century with the arrival of the Industrial Revolution. Earning the nickname "Catalan Manchester", Sabadell became covered with a network of textile factories, known as "vapors" due to the use of steam engines. Parallel to this was the construction of residential quarters for workers and luxurious mansions for the industrial bourgeoisie. During this period, public architecture was dominated by Eclecticism and Neoclassicism, a striking example of which is the City Hall building (Ajuntament de Sabadell).

Catalan Modernism (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

Economic flourishing at the turn of the century led to the appearance of outstanding examples of Catalan Modernism in Sabadell. This style, which became the hallmark of the wealthy industrial elite, is characterised by fluid lines, floral ornaments, and the use of wrought iron and coloured ceramics. The leading architects of this period in the city were Juli Batllevell and Jeroni Martorell. Among the iconic structures are:

• Hotel Suís — an elegant building by Juli Batllevell with decor characteristic of Modernism.
• Despatx Lluch — another creation by Batllevell, demonstrating a richness of forms and materials.
• Caixa Sabadell Building — a monumental structure by Jeroni Martorell that has become one of the main symbols of the city.

Rationalism and Modernity

From the mid-20th century, decorative Modernism was replaced by a more restrained and functional Rationalism. In the post-industrial era, the city faced the need to rethink its heritage. Many former factories and industrial buildings were successfully reconstructed and turned into cultural centres, libraries, and public spaces, allowing the preservation of Sabadell's industrial spirit while breathing new life into it.

Outstanding Figures Connected to Sabadell

Sabadell, being an important cultural and economic centre, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many talented people. Here are some of them who left a mark on history and modern times:

• Joan Vilà i Cinca (1856–1938) — a painter and watercolourist, one of the founders of the School of Fine Arts in Sabadell. His work and teaching activities had a huge influence on the artistic life of the city, and his works today form an important part of the collection of the Sabadell Art Museum.
• Antoni Estruch i Bros (1872–1957) — a historical painter. Best known for his large-scale canvases dedicated to key events in the history of Catalonia and Sabadell. His works helped shape the visual image of the city's past.
• Sergio Dalma (born 1964) — one of Spain's most famous pop artists. Born in Sabadell as Josep Sergi Capdevila, he achieved international popularity thanks to his distinctive raspy voice and romantic ballads.
• Marc Gené (born 1974) — a professional racing driver. A native of Sabadell, he competed in Formula 1 for the Minardi and Williams teams, and later achieved great success in endurance racing, becoming a winner of the famous "24 Hours of Le Mans" race.
• Kilian Jornet (born 1987) — a world-renowned athlete specialising in skyrunning, trail running, and ski mountaineering. Born in Sabadell, he has set numerous speed records on the world's highest peaks, including Everest, and is considered a legend in the world of extreme sports.
• Alexia Putellas (born 1994) — a professional footballer, captain of the FC Barcelona women's team, and one of the best female football players in the world. She began her sports career in the youth team of the Sabadell club, making her a subject of special pride for the city.
• Jaume Guardiola (born 1957) — an influential Spanish banker and businessman. He served as the CEO of Banco Sabadell, one of the largest banks in Spain, the name of which is inextricably linked to the city of its foundation. His leadership coincided with a period of significant growth and international expansion for the bank.