Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat

Located in the picturesque town of Sant Feliu de Llobregat, the Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat (known locally as Archivo Histórico Comarcal de Sant Feliú de Llobregat) is a treasure trove of historical documents and a beacon of cultural preservation. Nestled within the bustling region of Baix Llobregat, this modern archival facility is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, researchers, and curious tourists alike.

The History of Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat

The Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat was established on April 23, 1983, through a collaboration between the Department of Culture of the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Sant Feliu de Llobregat City Council. Over the years, it has grown into a vital institution for the preservation of regional history, with the Consell Comarcal del Baix Llobregat joining in its management. The archive boasts an impressive collection of documents stretching from the 11th century to the present day, spanning over 3,330 linear meters.

This archival haven safeguards a vast array of collections, including approximately 124 fonds and collections. It serves as the archive for the administration, institutions, and private individuals of Baix Llobregat, as well as the municipal archive for Sant Feliu de Llobregat. The Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat is not just a repository of documents but a living testament to the region's rich and diverse history.

Exploring the Modern Facility

The current home of the Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat, inaugurated in March 2015, is a state-of-the-art facility located at 23 Clementina Arderiu Street. Designed by architects Xavier Vendrell and Claudi Aguiló, this modern building offers 1,872 square meters of space dedicated to archival excellence. The facility is divided into various functional areas, including document storage rooms, workspaces, a multipurpose room for conferences, exhibitions, and workshops, and a consultation room equipped with advanced technology for digitalization and secure document repositories.

The building itself is a marvel of contemporary architecture, harmoniously blending with its surroundings in the Mas Lluí neighborhood. It shares its location with other public amenities in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, such as the Olorda High School and the Martí Pol School, and houses the Centre d’Estudis Comarcals del Baix Llobregat, making it a hub of knowledge and learning.

Discovering the Archives

Visitors to the Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat will find themselves immersed in a world of historical wonders. The archive's public areas include a consultation room that can accommodate up to 19 researchers at a time, offering access to a portion of the auxiliary library. Additionally, a multipurpose room with a capacity for 60 people hosts various events, making it a vibrant cultural space.

The internal areas of the archive are meticulously designed to ensure the preservation and security of the documents. These include a receiving and sorting room, a disinfection area, storage rooms, workspaces, offices, meeting rooms, and five document repositories with a potential capacity of 14 kilometers of shelving. Special repositories are dedicated to photographic and electronic documentation, as well as large-format supports like parchments, maps, and posters.

The archive's commitment to preservation is evident in its advanced environmental control systems, which regulate temperature and humidity, and its robust security measures, including intrusion alarms and smoke detectors. Before moving to its current location, the archive was housed in a building in the Torre del Roser park from May 13, 1993, to March 28, 2015.

Highlights from the Collections

The Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat holds a wealth of historical documents that paint a vivid picture of the region's past. Among its treasures are the municipal archives of Sant Feliu de Llobregat (dating back to 1757), Castellví de Rosanes (1716), Collbató (1817), Corbera de Llobregat (1761), Santa Coloma de Cervelló (1841), and Torrelles de Llobregat (1716). The archive also preserves the fonds of the Consell Comarcal del Baix Llobregat and nearly 2,300 protocols from various notaries in the Sant Feliu de Llobregat district, some dating back to the late 18th century.

One of the most fascinating collections is the fonds of the Consultorio para la mujer Elena Francis (1951-1972), which contains approximately 100,000 letters that provide a unique glimpse into the daily lives of women during the Francoist era. The archive also houses various ephemeral and poster collections, over 110,000 images, and a specialized library on local history with more than 9,000 titles. Its hemeroteca boasts over 600 periodicals from the Baix Llobregat region.

Notable Documents

Among the many remarkable documents preserved at the Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat are the testament of Guillem de Castellvell from 1325, a parcel map of Sant Feliu de Llobregat from 1851, and a photograph of the Torre Blanca palace from 1888. The archive also holds a denunciation by the local head of the Falange against Josep Tarradellas from 1940 and minutes from a significant labor dispute meeting at Altos Hornos de Cataluña in 1976.

In conclusion, the Arxiu Comarcal del Baix Llobregat is not merely an archive; it is a vibrant repository of the region's heritage, offering invaluable insights into the past and serving as a vital resource for researchers and history enthusiasts. A visit to this modern facility is a journey through time, providing a deeper understanding of the historical tapestry that shapes the Baix Llobregat region today.