L’Arboç: Dry-Stone Paths and Bobbin Lace

In L’Arboç, there are five circular routes to dry-stone structures. The Ajuntament de l’Arboç established these routes; they can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Ruta de Pedra Seca 3 is approximately 6.1 kilometres long and passes 15 dry-stone huts. Ruta de Pedra Seca 4 is approximately 6.9 kilometres long and runs through vineyards, orchards and cultivated fields. Thus, both the preserved dry-stone structures and the agricultural sections are among the specific landscape impressions of these routes. The routes combine the distinctive construction of the huts with vineyards, orchards and cultivated fields, without these elements being found only in the town centre.

You can find more places for planning your trip here: Vallfogona De Riucorb, Aiguamúrcia, La Figuera, Tortosa, Reus, Falset, Margalef and Bellavista.

Culture

The architectural complex of the Església de Sant Julià is recognised as a “Bé Cultural d’Interès Nacional” in the category of “Historic Monument”. This recognition took place on 8 November 2007. Construction of the present-day Església de Sant Julià began around 1630. It was completed around 1650.

La Giralda is a neo-Arab palace with Modernist elements. The reproduction of Seville’s Giralda in La Giralda is 52 metres high. The Hospital de Sant Antoni is a Modernist building constructed between 1905 and 1911 as a replacement for a medieval hospital. It features a striking Modernist chapel around the cloister. The interiors of the Hospital de Sant Antoni cannot be visited.

History

Palau Gener i Batet was commissioned in 1873 as the residence of Josep Gener i Batet. The interiors of Palau Gener i Batet cannot be visited.

Crafts

The Escola de Puntaires de l’Arboç was founded in 1941. It is considered Catalonia’s oldest bobbin-lace school. Every year, the school offers four bobbin-lace courses, including formats for adults and children. The Museu de Puntes al Coixí houses the world’s largest collection of Punta Arbocenca. Punta Arbocenca was recognised as an “Ofici Singular de Catalunya” in 2010. Bobbin lace is therefore present in the town through both the school, which has existed since 1941, and the courses, museum and recognised Punta Arbocenca.

Events

The Festa Major de l’Arboç was recognised as a “Festa Patrimonial d’Interès Nacional” in 2009. It takes place on the fourth Sunday in August. Its five components classified as “Elements Patrimonials d’Interès Nacional” include El Ball de Bastons, els Gegants, l’Exhibició Castellera, el Ball de Diables and La Carretillada.

The Fira de Santa Llúcia takes place on the Sunday closest to 13 December. It is registered as Catalonia’s only thematic fair in the field of bobbin lace.

Cuisine

L’Enramada is an event where you can taste and learn about coca enramada, a typical local product.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tarragona.