Discover Espolla: Wine Architecture, Culture and Albera

The Celler Cooperatiu d’Espolla building in Espolla was inaugurated on 8 November 1931. It was designed by the architect Pelai Martinez, who was inspired by the great „wine cathedrals“ of the Tarragona area. The architectural inspiration from Tarragona and the inauguration in 1931 are part of the winery’s construction history. Visits to a winery require checking current opening hours and reservation requirements when planning a trip. For individually arranged appointments, these details should be checked again before arrival. Winery visits with individually arranged appointments therefore require scheduling coordination before the visit is firmly planned.

Cuisine

At the Celler Cooperatiu d’Espolla, individually arranged visits to the winery, vineyards and landscape of Espolla are possible by prior reservation. For such visits, coordinating the schedule and checking the current requirements are part of preparing the appointment. The possible stops range from the winery and vineyards to the landscape of Espolla; the appointment can include these areas together.

Culture and History

The Cabana d’Arqueta dolmen is one of the largest megalithic monuments in Albera. At the former Castell d’Espolla, the construction style can be dated to the 13th and 14th centuries. The surviving remains of the former Castell d’Espolla are integrated into the urban fabric of Espolla. The megalithic monument, churches and castle remains thus form a succession of evidence spanning the period from the pre-Romanesque era to the Middle Ages.

On 20 December 946, Sant Martí de Baussitges was consecrated by Bishop Gotmar of Girona. Due to its architectural features, the church is considered pre-Romanesque. Based on sections of wall built using opus spicatum technique, Sant Genís d’Esprac is possibly classified as a pre-Romanesque church. La Fraternal adds the history of mutual aid in Espolla to this historical heritage.

La Fraternal was founded in Espolla in 1874 as a mutual aid association.

Nature

In Espolla, the Albera natural area covers 669 hectares. The protected Albera landscape area, which also includes land in Espolla, has been part of the larger natural area of special ecological interest EIN Albera and the Natura 2000 network since 2006. When preparing for days in protected landscapes, current information on route conditions should be checked. Route planning in protected landscapes also includes checking current conditions before setting out.

Other places at the same higher administrative level are Albons, Pontós, Lladó, Regencós, Santa Llogaia D'àlguema, Sant Feliu De Guixols, Sant Tomàs De Fluvià and Verges.

Local Tradition

The municipality of Espolla announced the 29th Fira de l’Oli i l’Olivera for Sunday, 18 January 2026. For an event such as the Fira de l’Oli i l’Olivera, travel dates should be checked in advance against the announced date and any possible changes. Before arrival, it should also be checked whether the announced date remains unchanged.

For the higher-level travel overview: Girona.