Albarca on Montsant: Astronomy, Oak Forest and Tradition

Albarca lies at the foot of Montsant, where the sun-facing and shady sides of the mountain meet the final foothills of the Serra de Prades.

When comparing holiday apartments in Albarca, check the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective listing pages. These three details help you objectively compare your own plans with the listing information.

Sky and Trails

The astronomical circular trail from Albarca leads from Albarca to an astronomical viewpoint near Els Hostalets, which belongs to the Montsant network of astronomical viewpoints. The trail thus connects the village with a permanent component of this astronomical network.

The astronomical viewpoint at Collet Roig and Els Hostalets has a Pole Star indicator for orientation at night and an interactive planisphere table. Both elements are part of the facilities at this viewpoint and direct attention to orientation in the night sky.

The “Shady Oakwood – Albarca” flora trail begins at the entrance to Albarca by the boundary cross and returns there. For planning your day, this trail can be classified according to its circular route and botanical theme.

The Camí dels Cartoixans has been documented under this name since the 16th century. According to oral tradition, it was an old pack trail suitable for livestock herds that connected the charterhouse with the royal road from Reus to Lleida near Albarca.

History and Faith

Albarca originated as a Muslim almúnia in the vicinity of Siurana Castle. The village’s origins are therefore connected with a castle landscape that forms part of Albarca’s historical context.

Albarca has a local Sant Jordi tradition dating from before the 18th century: a votive celebration in which the saint’s protection from viper and scorpion bites was requested. The tradition thus preserves a clearly identified religious occasion and a specific request to the saint.

The hermitage of Mare de Déu de Montsant dates back to hermitic foundations from the 12th century and belongs to the parish district of Albarca. Its ecclesiastical affiliation is therefore connected with Albarca just as its early origins are.

The traditional pilgrimage to Mare de Déu de Montsant takes place on 17 August, the third day of Albarca’s main festival, and includes a mass, the singing of traditional “Goigs” and a communal meal. The date and sequence of the celebration give the custom a fixed place in the village’s festival calendar.

Albarca’s Festa Major is celebrated on 15 August; on the final day, the traditional ascent to the hermitage of Mare de Déu de Montsant takes place.

Other Places

Other places in the directory include Botarell, Colldejou, Farena, Belltall, Riudecanyes, Riba-Roja D'ebre, Porrera and La Morera De Montsant.

Nature and Traces

A majestic oak stands in Albarca’s shady oak forest, in an almost pure stand of Valencian oaks. The tree is therefore situated within a clearly described woodland setting and complements the village’s landscape context.

The Prada de la Guineu necropolis lies at the foot of the hill on which Albarca stands and consists of five graves carved into the rock on the shady slope of the mountain.

The graves of Prada de la Guineu can be reached from the road into the village of Albarca via a cart track approximately 100 metres to the west, followed by a walk further southwest.

For the overarching travel overview: Tarragona.