Discover Ferran: Castle, Church and Irrigation Gardens

The origins of Castell de Ferran date back approximately to the 11th century, during the period of feudal expansion of the Catalan counties.

When you look at present-day Castell de Ferran, you encounter several construction phases with Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance elements in a single complex. The building is privately owned; it is visible from the public road and from the rural village centre.

History and Architectural Heritage

The small Church of Santa Maria de Ferran was built in 1800.

Built between neighbouring houses, Santa Maria de Ferran reveals only part of its exterior depending on the side of the street: from one street, only the portal is visible, while from the parallel street, the apse and bell tower can be seen.

The two street views complement each other because the church lies between neighbouring houses, meaning that its architectural elements do not appear on a single side. The portal, apse and bell tower thus form different exterior views, while the octagonal tower has four open and four closed sides.

The bell tower of Santa Maria de Ferran is octagonal and has four open and four closed sides.

As part of the Festa Major de Ferran, a solemn service was held at the Church of Santa Maria de Ferran from 1 to 2 p.m. on 15 August 2026 on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.

Water Management

The irrigation network began at the sluice of Molí del Pas and channelled water to the gardens of Ferran and Tamarit on the right bank of the Gaià.

The irrigation system comprised four underground water tunnels: the Mas de Marquès mine, 720 m long; the Mine de l'Yxart, 130 m long; and the Vallvé and Pau Segú mines, each 120 m long.

Remains of irrigation channels, entrances to the mines and several waterwheels have survived from this irrigation system.

The surviving elements point to different parts of the system: the irrigation channels belong to the water conveyance network, the mine entrances to the underground tunnels, and the waterwheels to the technical infrastructure. In addition to the dimensions of the four tunnels, various structural components of the system have therefore also been preserved in the record.

The irrigation system of the gardens of Ferran and Tamarit has been documented since at least the 14th century.

Under customary rules that remained in force until the middle of the 20th century, the irrigators of Ferran had access to the water day and night.

The irrigation infrastructure of Ferran and Tamarit fell into disuse after the reservoir near El Catllar caused the Gaià's water to stop irrigating the gardens.

Routes and Events

The official circular route “La Móra - Tamarit - Riu Gaià - Ferran - El Mèdol” explicitly names Ferran in its route title; its starting point is at the Barranc de la Mora.

The Marxa Castells Altafulla – Costa Daurada, held in 2026, passed Castell de Ferran on its 16 km and 26 km routes for hikers and trail runners.

Other Places

Other places: Benissanet, Caseres, Torroja Del Priorat, Rasquera, Figuerola Del Camp, Castellvell Del Camp, Vilaplana, Bellvei.

For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.