Tivenys on the Ebro: History, Routes and Markets

Tivenys lies on the left bank of the Ebro and is surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Serra de Cardó and the Serra del Boix. These include Punta de l’Agulla, Creu de Santos, Roca Foradada and Buinaca. The Assut is a 375-metre-long and 7-metre-high hydraulic structure.

River and Landscape

The Camí del parc a l’Assut is a footpath from Tivenys municipal park to the Assut and runs along the Ebro. Tivenys is suitable for water sports such as canoeing, as well as sport fishing for catfish, sea bass, shad and black bass. The family cycling route “Assut de Tivenys (Tivenys Lock) and Les Planetes” leads to Tivenys; from there, the riverside promenade continues to l’Assut. The excursion to Pont d'Orient continues to Coll de Xeta, where the Clenxa del Boix begins.

Archaeology and Fortifications

The Poblat Ibèric archaeological site lies on a hill on the left bank of the Ebro, directly at the exit of the Pas de Barrufemes gorge between the Serra de Cardó and the northern edge of the Ports de Tortosa-Besseit, with the mountain ranges of d’Àguiles and Vallplana. The Poblat Ibèric contains settlement remains from the 7th century BC and a fortified tower house from the 6th century BC. The signposted historical heritage trail around the Poblat Ibèric passes fortifications, trenches and defensive positions. Castell de Som is a now-derelict fortification consisting of walls with loopholes that form a small, narrow area. From there, there is a broad view over the Ebro Valley and the Assut.

Historic Buildings

La Torre was part of a series of towers on both sides of the river that protected the upper estuary. Its structure is completely square. La Farinera, also known as the González brothers’ factory, is located near the Assut; the left channel of the Ebro runs below it. La Farinera used the flow of the channel to power wheels that crushed wheat and processed it into flour. The history of Molí de Sorra began in 1957, when Fco. Beltran Barberà bought an existing mill in Tivenys at C. Tortosa 78. Molí de Sorra was a traditional mill with millstones and a hydraulic press.

Churches and Local History

Església Sant Miquel consists of three naves with eight side altars and a main nave in the Gothic and Byzantine styles; its façade is neoclassical. A considerably tall bell tower with an octagonal ground plan stands beside it. Antiga església de Sant Isidre preserves a round-arched portal made of wedge-shaped stones, with a corbel and the coat of arms of the Pinyol family.

Other destinations: Arnés, Banyeres Del Penedès, Colldejou, Torroja Del Priorat, Duesaigües, Els Pallaresos, Riudecanyes and Miami Platja.

Markets and Festival Traditions

A market takes place in Tivenys on Plaça Major on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The market offers fruit, vegetables, salt cod, olives and roast chicken. The Jota de Tivenys is currently performed only during the summer festival, with its melody and dance. La Publicata is an event held as part of the Sant-Antoni main festival and is historically associated with the performance of the Barraca. During the event, performers walk or ride through the town’s streets on mules, hinnies or donkeys, reciting ironic or sarcastic verses.

For the overview of destinations: Tarragona.