With Vallès Oriental, Vallès Occidental
forms a large natural region in the pre-coastal
depression. It stretches from the Caldes
gully to the Llobregat,
on the southern slopes of the sierras of Sant
Llorenç del Munt and L'Obac
(which form a natural park), and the Granera
sierra, with the Gallifa heights. The southern border
with Barcelona is marked by the Collserola sierra.
The landscape is varied and full of beautiful spots.
Vallès Occidental came within the country
and diocese of Barcelona, and the most important
towns in the area historically were Terrassa
—the Roman Egara— Sabadell
and Sant Cugat del Vallès. The economy
had been based on agriculture, with many farmhouses
and country villages.
But its proximity to Barcelona and the main highways
promoted massive industrial development, especially
in Sabadell and Terrassa, which turned the traditional
weaving and spinning into a huge textile industry
in the mid 19th century. Today it is one of the most
industrialised regions of the country and has densely
populated towns and extensive services, particularly
in the area closest to Barcelona. There still remain
some zones that attract visitors and day-trippers
with their attractive landscapes and architectural
heritage.
