Cantallops: Church, Vineyards and Forest Paths

History

The history of Cantallops is reflected in its old paths, houses and traditional stories. The place name is associated with the designation “Campo de Lupis,” which was first mentioned in an official document in 991. The historic cattle-driving route carrerada de Cerdanya also ran through Cantallops and served as an important passageway.

A local legend tells of the Queen of Cantallops and her overnight stay at La Cotxeria. While she was there, wolves howled from the nearby mountains. Ca la Modesta is a reminder of the era of transhumant shepherds: the house provided accommodation for many of them and also served as a resting place. Thus, transport routes, a historic building and an orally transmitted story are among the town’s distinctive sites.

Culture

The present-day Santa Margarida church was built in 1975. This round sacred building stands at Cap de Grill in Cantallops and differs in shape from many traditional churches. Its year of construction, round design and location make Santa Margarida a clearly identifiable cultural destination.

The Festa Major of Cantallops is part of the local festival tradition. It is celebrated on 2 October or over three or four days around Santa Teresa or the festival on 12 October. Anyone wishing to combine a trip with this date should check the current festival dates and event times in advance.

Nature

The green route Ruta dels Xops passes through Cantallops. It runs through vineyards, peach orchards and the wooded area of Plana d'en Bord. The route can be walked or cycled, thereby connecting agricultural areas with a forested landscape.

The Ruta dels Xops is classified as an easy route, measuring 5.8 kilometres in length with an elevation gain of 153 metres. Before undertaking the route, the current trail conditions should also be checked.

The waterways around Cantallops also have their own points of reference. At the Santa Margarida ford, they enter dense woodland and form several pools. The catchment area of Avinyó, Xops and Sant Sebastià dels Gorgs begins beside Cantallops and is known there as Torrent Gran.

Location

The municipality of Avinyonet del Penedès offers six mountain-bike and hiking routes of varying difficulty. They run along forest tracks and paths. The network therefore includes different levels of difficulty, while the Ruta dels Xops is designated as an easy route with its own specified length and elevation gain.

Cantallops lies on the main road to Vilafranca. For the municipality of Avinyonet del Penedès, the nearest railway station is Vilafranca del Penedès.

Further destinations: La Floresta, Monistrol De Calders, Ripollet, La Ràpita, Castellfollit Del Boix, Pacs Del Penedès, Fogars de la Selva, Bellprat

For the higher-level travel overview: Barcelona.