Alella has a long and fascinating history dating back to Roman times, when it was known for its wine production—a tradition that continues to this day. The town’s location near the coast and close to Barcelona made it an important agricultural center during the Roman era, primarily focused on wine and olive oil production. Over the centuries, Alella maintained its agricultural roots while becoming a retreat for Barcelona’s wealthy residents who built summer homes here in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Culturally, Alella holds a deep connection to Catalan traditions. The town celebrates many of the region’s most beloved festivals, such as the Festa Major de Sant Feliu in August, where locals gather for processions, music, and fireworks. Another notable event is the Alella Harvest Festival, where the community celebrates the grape harvest with wine tastings, food, and local crafts. Alella’s ties to Catalonia’s wine-growing heritage are evident in its pride for producing high-quality wines, especially under the Alella Designation of Origin (DO).
The town is also home to a number of historical landmarks, such as the Romanesque Church of Sant Feliu and several modernist-style summer homes from the early 20th century, offering visitors a glimpse into its diverse architectural and cultural past.