El Bruc facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
El Bruc
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Municipality
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"The Drummer" monument, el Bruc
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 El Bruc
Location in Province of Barcelona
El Bruc
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Community |  Catalonia |
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| Province | Barcelona | |
| Comarca | Anoia | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 47.2 km2 (18.2 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 489 m (1,604 ft) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 2,027 | |
| • Density | 42.94/km2 (111.23/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Bruquetà, bruquetana | |
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El Bruc is a small town in Catalonia, Spain. It is known for its beautiful location near the famous Montserrat mountain. A big part of Montserrat, about one-third, is actually inside El Bruc's area!
This town is also famous for a very important historical event. In 1808, it was the site of the Battles of the Bruch. These battles were fought between the French army and the Spanish people.
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Where is El Bruc Located?
El Bruc is in a region of Catalonia called Anoia. It sits right at the foot of the amazing Montserrat mountain. Imagine a town nestled among stunning rock formations!
You can easily get to El Bruc by road. A local road connects the village to the main N-II road. This road goes from Barcelona all the way to Lleida. You can also reach the town from Monistrol de Montserrat, which is near the famous Montserrat Monastery.
A Look at El Bruc's History
The Battles of El Bruc (1808)
The most famous part of El Bruc's history is the Battles of the Bruch. These battles happened in 1808 during the Peninsular War. This war was fought between France and Spain.
- First Battle: On June 6, 1808, a French army tried to march through El Bruc. They were on their way to Manresa and Lleida. But they were stopped by a small group of Catalan volunteers and soldiers. These brave defenders used the mountain terrain to their advantage. They managed to push back the much larger French force.
- Second Battle: A few days later, on June 14, the French tried again. This time, they sent an even bigger army. But the people of Catalonia were ready. They fought fiercely and, once again, forced the French to retreat.
These victories were a huge boost for the Spanish people. They showed that even a small, determined group could stand up to a powerful army. The battles of El Bruc became a symbol of courage and resistance.
The Legend of the Drummer
There's a famous legend connected to the Battles of El Bruc. It tells the story of a young drummer boy. During the battles, his drumming echoed through the mountains. The French soldiers thought the echoes were coming from a much larger army. This made them scared and helped the Catalans win.
Today, there's a monument in El Bruc dedicated to "The Drummer." It reminds everyone of this brave boy and the important battles.
Life in El Bruc Today
El Bruc is a quiet town with a strong connection to its history and nature.
- Population: In 2018, about 2,027 people lived in El Bruc. The number of people living here has grown quite a bit since the early 2000s.
- Nature and Activities: Because it's so close to Montserrat, El Bruc is a great place for nature lovers. People can enjoy hiking, climbing, and exploring the unique landscapes of the mountain.
- Local Government: Like any town, El Bruc has a local government. The mayor, Enric Canela Vallès, was in charge in 2015. The mayor and the town council help manage the town and its services for the people living there.
El Bruc is a wonderful example of a town that combines rich history with beautiful natural surroundings.
Demographics of El Bruc
The number of people living in El Bruc has changed over the years. Here's a quick look at how the population has grown or shrunk:
- In 1900, there were 1,186 people.
- By 1950, the population had gone down to 798.
- In 1986, it was 707 people.
- However, by 2007, the population had grown quite a lot to 1,743 people.
- And in 2018, it reached 2,027 people.
This shows that El Bruc has become a more popular place to live in recent times.
