Viladellops: History, Vineyards and Nature

Culture and History

In the centre of Viladellops stands the Torre de Viladellops, a medieval Romanesque structure dating from the 11th century. Its floor plan is circular; at the lower level, the diameter is 3 metres, while the walls are 1.4 metres thick. The centre consists of houses and agricultural outbuildings grouped around a large central manor house.

The history of the Finca Viladellops dates back to 930. A well-preserved medieval tower marked the beginning of the development of the wine-growing village named after the estate. The Desvalls family archive contains records from 981 to 1983, including 4,529 parchments. The Centro de Interpretación Familia Desvalls displays documents and historical objects; it also explains the role of the Desvalls family in the history and wine-growing tradition of Catalonia.

In the Església de Sant Joan de Viladellops, sparse remains of Romanesque murals have been preserved on the arch of a side chapel. The altar frontal consists of 91 polychrome tiles. At its centre is a depiction of the Immaculate Conception, with Ramon de Penyafort on the right and John the Baptist on the left.

Wine and Experiences

The current wine cellar of the Finca Viladellops dates from 1877. It preserves old walls, rooms, wine hoses and machinery from the estate's early days. The estate has 60 hectares of its own vineyards, which are 100 percent organically certified and planted with the indigenous grape varieties Garnatxa and Xarel·lo.

The “Historia y Vino” tour includes the Centro de Interpretación Familia Desvalls, the Sant Joan chapel and a tasting of three wines. The “Cata de vinos Premium entre viñas” activity consists of a guided walk through the vineyards of the Finca Viladellops and wine tastings at various points among the vines. A 4x4 drive through the vineyards is also offered, combined with a guided wine tasting.

“La Alquimia del Vino” is a group workshop in which teams create their own wine blend and take part in a blind tasting. La Marca de la Bruixa is a 600-metre route through the vineyards and along the stones in Viladellops.

Nature

The Fondal de Viladellops is an area of natural interest featuring riverside vegetation and natural springs. It lies south of the centre and can be reached via a path from the Sant Joan chapel. There, the Torrent de les Jonqueres forms meanders through partly rugged terrain.

The Font de la Cova emerges as a spring from the upper part of a natural cave in the wetland of the Fondal de Viladellops. The Font de Sant Joan was traditionally an important meeting place for the inhabitants of Viladellops. From the Sant Joan chapel, it can be reached via the path towards Altrabanda.

The Roure de Viladellops is a large-leaved oak approximately 25 to 30 metres tall and is identified as Quercus petraea or a related hybrid.

Other Places

Other places: Sant Vicenc De Montalt, Les Masies De Voltregà, Palau-solità i Plegamans, La Quar, Bellprat, Calonge De Segarra, Mongat, Fígols.

Getting There

Viladellops can be reached from the C-15 road via two roads leading into the village. The Torre de l'aigua de Viladellops lies north of the centre on the road from Viladellops and is point 6 of the Ruta del Vi.

To the overarching travel overview: Barcelona.