La Nou de Gaià – Castle, Trails and Festivals

Culture and History

The Castell del Baró de les Quatre Torres originated in the 12th century; the present building dates from the late 18th century. In 1982, Lluís de Morenés i Carbajal, Marqués de Nules, donated the castle and its gardens to the municipality; three years later, it was declared a cultural asset of interest as a historic monument. The Capella de la Verge de les Neus is attached to the castle and dedicated to the patron saint of La Nou de Gaià. The parish church of Santa Maria Magdalena dates from the 18th century and has the same architectural style as the castle.

A permanent exhibition of historical images has been installed in the streets of La Nou de Gaià's old town. The old town has steep, narrow streets; from the higher part of the town, crowned by the castle and church, there are views over the cultivated fields.

Other places: Rasquera, Els Guiamets, Forès, La Morera De Montsant, El Pinell de Brai, Tivissa, Santa Bàrbara and Gratallops.

Trails and Getting There

The short rural trails around La Nou de Gaià can be explored by car, bicycle or on foot. The Camí de la Sitgeta runs through the eastern part of La Nou de Gaià and passes the football pitch. It provides access to another section of trail leading to La Pobla de Montornès. The Camí de les Fontanilles runs through the western part of La Nou de Gaià and can be shortened via the Torrent de les Fontanilles. It provides access to another section of trail leading to Vespella de Gaià.

The Salomó–Tarragona and Salomó–Torredembarra bus routes run through La Nou de Gaià. The nearest railway station is in Torredembarra.

Travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can be compared side by side for a holiday apartment in La Nou de Gaià. For thematic planning, the castle, old town, trails and festivals are available as separate focal points that can be considered independently of one another.

Festivals and Local Life

The Festa Major d'estiu in honour of Santa Magdalena is considered the most important festival in La Nou de Gaià. The Festa Votiva a la Mare de Déu de les Neus is celebrated in honour of Our Lady of the Snows and dates back to a vow made by the village in 1816.

At El Cercat, groups meet to prepare paellas, which are mostly cooked over wood fires. The annual Aplec de sardanes is held in the gardens of Cercat. A sarcophagus with epigraphic inscriptions and the names Temístocles and Encolpia is currently on display in the Castell del Baró de les Quatre Torres.

For the main travel overview: Tarragona.