Vilalba dels Arcs: History, Trails and Festivals

The historic centre of Vilalba dels Arcs preserves numerous medieval relics.

Culture and History

Visible remains of the medieval town wall have been preserved along the edge streets of the old town. The inner arch of the Perxe del Bassot served as a gateway. The Perxe del Bassot, at the end of Carrer de Baix, consists of two arches and may have served as an entrance to the former town.

The parish church of Sant Llorenç de Vilalba dels Arcs was built in several phases between approximately 1535 and 1744. Its current bell tower is 42.5 metres high, consists of four sections, and features Corinthian pilasters.

Construction of the Baroque Capella de la Mare de Déu dels Dolors began in 1707; in 1718 it had still not been consecrated. The Ermita de Sant Pau is a small troglodytic chapel with a rectangular floor plan, whose roof is formed by the surrounding rock.

The historic centre features a permanent exhibition about the Terç de Requetès de la Mare de Déu de Montserrat. The VilaRt art exhibition comprises iron sculptures distributed throughout the town centre, depicting the respective location, historical moments, occupations, or particular seasons.

At the Els Barrancs site, stone breastwork sections have been restored and the historic surroundings recreated with sandbags. The sandbags were used to protect the combatants and to fire from a commanding position. The Mirador del Bassot in the municipality of Vilalba dels Arcs is a signposted site of the Battle of the Ebro, where visitors can learn about the history and see the locations of the changing advances, retreats, and battles for positions.

The Turó del Calvari archaeological site was in use from the last quarter of the 7th century BC to the first half of the 6th century BC and, based on its construction and finds, is interpreted as a probably ritual building. The Molí d’oli al Bassot – Molí de Granyena olive mill preserves the tower of a beam-and-weight olive press, millstones, and basins and containers for oil.

Trails and Landscape

The signposted route of the 24 waterwheels makes it possible to see many of the waterwheels around Vilalba dels Arcs near the main road. The Arte al Raso route begins in Vilalba dels Arcs and offers a 7.55-kilometre route on foot or by bicycle, combining nature, cultural heritage, and outdoor art.

The initial section of the Vall dels Prats extends from below the washhouses to the confluence with the Barranc de Vallplana and is considered a landscape of particular interest. The annual pilgrimage to Santa Maria Magdalena de Berrús takes place on the first Saturday after Easter and covers 50 kilometres there and back from Vilalba dels Arcs.

Other Places

Other places for planning your trip: Peramola, La Pobla De Cérvoles, Granyena De Segarra, Boldís Sobirà, Vielha, Cabanabona, Vilanova De La Barca and Lleret.

Festivals and Local Products

La Passió de Vilalba is a performance held on Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday, featuring twelve participatory scenes in the streets and squares of the historic town centre.

Tasta Vilalba is an event held on the second weekend of June for local products, featuring the municipality’s wineries, olive mill, and cherry producers. Tasta Vilalba includes product tastings and visits to the producers’ businesses.

To the main travel overview: Lleida.