Botarell between local history, festivals and landscape

Botarell reveals its distinctive features in its stone landmarks, festival traditions, paths and the area’s landscapes.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Botarell, travel dates, type of accommodation, room layout and cancellation conditions can be considered as separate details. Depending on the travel plans, these points may be given different weight. This keeps the selection clear without confusing individual accommodation features with one another.

Culture and local history

At the entrance to Botarell, at the foot of the road to Montbrió, stands the Pedrafita, a granite stone about two metres high, 55 centimetres wide and 30 centimetres thick. It appears to be a boundary stone already mentioned in 1571; according to tradition, however, it could also be a menhir dating from prehistoric times.

Notable features in the centre of Botarell include the ruins of the former castle and a round watchtower. The parish church of Sant Llorenç is built in the Renaissance style and was constructed between 1617 and 1622. It has gargoyles and a coat of arms referring to the town.

Mas del Gerro is a farmhouse built in 1915 with a Modernist character. Mas de Perdiu was remodelled in 1910 by the Modernist architect Joan Rubió Bellver.

Font Vella de Botarell is considered to be thousands of years old; its origins are not known exactly. The abundant water in its surroundings is regarded as a possible reason for the founding of the village, and its quality is considered excellent.

Landscape and paths

The area around Botarell is crossed by several ravines and streams that normally carry water only after very heavy rainfall. The Riera de les Voltes is one of the particularly significant streams in Botarell.

The Vuelta de Riudecols-Botarell route runs from Riudecols via the pass near Mas d'en Casas to Botarell and returns along the older, flatter connecting path. The Cambrils–Reus–Tarragona–Cambrils cycling route includes a fifteen-kilometre climb; the rest of the route is almost entirely downhill. The different route profiles help with objective route planning. The pass, return route, climb and descent can be considered separate features rather than classifying the two routes solely by their shared connection to Botarell.

Garden and routes

Botarell’s botanical garden is a place where visitors can go for a walk; it also includes several native tree species and a children’s play area.

More local pages: Sant Jaume D'enveja, Ulldecona, Bellvei, Vilabella, El Molar, Nulles, Torroja Del Priorat, La Fatarella.

Festivals and customs

The Festa Major de Sant Llorenç includes a sardine celebration and Rom cremat. During the Sant Joan festival in Botarell, a bonfire is lit and fireworks are set off.

Botarell’s Three Kings procession passes through all the town’s streets and stops beneath windows and balconies.

The tradition on Saint Blaise’s Day includes blessing the typical “blaiets” and fruit. According to popular tradition, the fruit is eaten on 25 March and is believed to protect against sore throats.

For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.